Knowing the resident with dementia: perspectives of assisted living facility caregivers.

This qualitative study describes the kinds of knowledge used by caregivers when caring for older adults with dementia residing in assisted living facilities. Five focus groups were conducted with a total of 23 caregivers from both small and large facilities. Two categories of knowledge were described: behavior-centered knowledge and person-centered knowledge. Behavior-centered knowledge focuses on strategies needed to manage behaviors, whereas person-centered knowledge focuses on the needs of the person exhibiting the behavior. Recommendations about the role of gerontological nurses and the training of caregivers in assisted living facilities are provided.