Lots of words, but the impact is real—individualized positive psychosocial interaction (IPPI) is proving to be a game changer in dementia care. A recent study set out to see if staff could consistently deliver IPPIs to residents, and whether these simple, daily moments of engagement made a difference. The answer? Yes! IPPI is as straightforward as it is powerful: just 10 minutes of personalized connection each day—and it’s making a profound impact on residents living with dementia.

To give some background, United Church Homes (UHC) partnered with Miami University’s Scripps Gerontology Center in 2022 to pilot the IPPI program. According to this embedded clinical trial published in ScienceDirect, the initiative trained CNAs, nurses, social workers, and activity staff to spend 10 focused minutes each day in one-on-one time with residents. The activities were personalized, based on each resident’s preferences—think puzzles, music, or simply a meaningful conversation. The outcomes were impressive: fewer signs of distress, reduced wandering, and improvements in overall mood.

As Amy Kotterman, RDN, LD, Director of Customer Experience at UHC shared in a feature from McKnight’s Senior Living, “Those 10 minutes can turn a tough day into a moment of delight.” Watching a resident light up over a shared activity reminds us all why we’re here.

So, here’s the big question: Who doesn’t have 10 minutes to spend with a resident? There’s some training involved, sure—but it’s worth it when individualized positive psychosocial interaction becomes the highlight of someone’s day. A small effort, big reward.

Stay well and stay informed!