The aging of the population and the increase in memory disorders is a global challenge. Therefore, there is an increasing need to use non-pharmacological methods in the care of people with memory disorders in nursing homes. Non-pharmacological methods can improve the treatment of people with memory disorders and the coping of nursing staff in daily care. ChatGPT has been used in this report to edit the language and smooth the text, and Napkin AI has been used to create figures.

As the prevalence of memory disorders, such as dementia, continues to rise worldwide, there is an increasing need for effective care strategies that prioritize residents’ well-being (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare 2024.) In Finland, national care guidelines emphasize the importance of non-pharmacological methods in supporting individuals with memory disorders (Memory disorders. Current Care Guidelines 2023). These methods aim to maintain cognitive abilities, reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms, and enhance nursing home residents’ overall quality of life (Carter et. al. 2021).

A recent study conducted as part of the ”Lempeä hoiva” (”Gentle care”) project, investigates the implementation of non-pharmacological methods in nursing homes and their perceived benefits. The study highlights how nursing staff incorporate these methods into their daily routines and how to observe possible positive changes in residents’ lives due to these interventions. (Laurea University of Applied Sciences 2025.)

Study Overview

The study was carried out in the fall of 2023 and involved nursing staff from four nursing homes in the Uusimaa region of Finland. Project workers utilized an electronic survey and participatory observations to gather data on the frequency, types, and effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods.

The primary objectives of the study were:

• To examine how often nursing staff use non-pharmacological methods in nursing homes.
• To identify the most used non-pharmacological methods in daily care.
• To assess nursing staff’s perspectives on the benefits of non-pharmacological methods for residents and nursing staff.
   

Used methods, situations to use, and benefits of non-pharmacological methods

The study found that approximately 61% of nursing staff reported using non-pharmacological methods on -daily care. This high frequency indicates that these methods are not merely supplementary but have become essential to care practices in nursing homes. The most utilized methods included touch-based interactions, music therapy, and reminiscence therapy, chosen for their ability to provide comfort, stimulate memory recall, and foster a sense of familiarity and connection among residents.

Non-pharmacological interventions were primarily used to respond to signs of distress, such as restlessness, anxiety, tearfulness, or difficulties with daily activities. Nursing staff highlighted that these methods frequently helped to decrease challenging behaviors and increased positive and effective interactions between residents and nursing staff.

The study identified several key benefits of non-pharmacological methods, as illustrated in Figure 1. Residents who engaged in activities such as listening to music, participating in conversations, or experiencing comforting touch expressed improved mood and increased engagement with their environment. Additionally, nursing staff observed a reduction in the need for pharmacological methods, particularly for managing anxiety and agitation.

Beyond the advantages for residents, nursing staff also reported that incorporating these methods enhanced their job satisfaction. Providing compassionate and meaningful care strengthened their sense of purpose and professional fulfillment, ultimately contributing to a more positive and supportive work environment.

Figure 1: Benefits of non-pharmacological Care (OpenAI 2025, Sanna Soini)

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite the positive outcomes, the study also identified some challenges in implementing non-pharmacological methods (see Figure 2). Some nursing staff members felt they lacked adequate knowledge and training on how to apply these methods effectively. Some nursing staff members found it difficult to consistently incorporate these methods into their routines due to busy schedules and high resident-to-staff ratios. The study emphasized the need for higher institutional support to resources, policies, and time allocation to facilitate the consistent use of these methods.

Figure 2: Challenges and Areas for Improvement (OpenAI 2025, Sanna Soini)

Future Improvements in Nursing Care

This study highlights the pivotal role of non-pharmacological methods in enhancing the well-being of nursing home residents. These methods provide a humane and resident-centered alternative to medication and contribute to a more positive and fulfilling work environment for nursing staff. By prioritizing the advancement and systematic implementation, nursing homes can cultivate a more holistic and compassionate care culture that benefits all stakeholders.

The study presents several key recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods. Nursing staff should receive comprehensive training to refine their skills in applying these methods. Additionally, nursing homes should establish standardized guidelines to ensure the seamless integration of these methods into residents’ daily routines. Institutions must also allocate adequate resources and staffing to facilitate the consistent application of these methods without imposing excessive demands on nursing staff. Furthermore, ongoing research should focus on identifying new non-pharmacological strategies and assessing their long-term impact on residents and nursing staff.

As the field of aged care continues to advance, non-pharmacological methods will assume an increasingly significant role in improving the quality of life for people with memory disorders. By investing in education, resources, and supportive policies, nursing homes can ensure that these invaluable methods remain an integral part of resident-centered care.

References

• Carter  M,  Quail  Z,  Bourke  A,  Young  C.  A  Structured  Cognitive  Intervention  Pathway as a decision support tool for non-pharmacological interventions within a dementia care service (Innovative practice).  Dementia  2021;20(1):398–409.
• Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare [Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos ]. Prevalence of memory disorders.  2024.  (referred March 14, 2024).
• Memory disorders. Current Care Guidelines. Working group set up by y the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, the Societas Gerontologica Fennica, the Finnish Geriatrics Association, the Finnish Neurological Society, the Finnish Psychogeriatric Association, and the Finnish General Practice Association. Helsinki: The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, 2023 (referred March 14, 2025). www.kaypahoito.fi
• Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Gentle care [Lempeä hoiva]. 2025. (referred March 14, 2025). Lempeä hoiva – Hyvinvointia hoivakotien henkilökunnalle ja asukkaille – Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
• OpenAI. (2025). Napkin (Beta-0.11.0). (referred 14.3.2025).

ChatGPT has been used to edit the language of this text.