Community-engaged intervention mapping for developing the DIGNITY program: Supporting decision-making in aging and dementia for autonomy in rural nursing homes

Background: Person-centered care that honors individual preferences can improve the well-being of nursing home (NH) residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, preferences such as going outside independently are often restricted due to perceived safety risks. There is a critical need for strategies that help NH staff balance safety concerns with residents’ autonomy. Materials and methods: We developed the Decision-making In aGing and demeNtIa for autonomy (DIGNITY) intervention using the Community-Engaged Intervention Mapping (CEIM) Model. This multilevel, theory informed program was codesigned with NH stakeholders to support shared decision-making and promote preference-congruent dementia care. Results: A total of 53 stakeholders participated in focus groups and engagement sessions. Feedback informed six key refinements to the DIGNITY program: manual formatting, communication strategies, staff role delineation, addressing resident decision-making capacity, and identifying implementation barriers and facilitators. The final intervention includes a structured manual, decision-making tools, and a training and coaching program to support NH staff in honoring resident preferences while managing perceived risks. Conclusion: DIGNITY is a novel, stakeholder-informed intervention designed to support preference-based dementia care in rural NHs. Future research should assess its feasibility, acceptability, and impact on staff attitudes and resident outcomes.