Skip to content
GOLTC | Globe Icon
Globe Icon
GOLTC

GLOBAL
OBSERVATORY
OF LONG-TERM
CARE

Part of the International Long-Term Care Policy Network (ILPN)

 

Laura Espantaleón Rueda

IMSERSO

Laura Espantaleón Rueda

Degree in Psychology from the Complutense University of Madrid and qualification as a Health Psychologist.

Master’s Degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology from the Complutense University of Madrid and National Accreditation as an Expert Psychologist in Clinical Neuropsychology.

Expert in Good Care to older people and person-centred care, by the Official College of Psychology of Madrid, and in Elimination of Physical and Chemical Restraints.

For 17 years I have worked as a psychologist in different residential services for older people, caring for both people with dementia and people without cognitive impairment, carrying out tasks of assessment and diagnosis of cognitive impairment, intervention in cognitive stimulation and mood disorders, management of psychological and behavioural symptoms of dementia, support and intervention with family members and advice to professional carers. I have also collaborated in the implementation of person-centred care model in these centres, as well as in the implementation of programmes for the elimination of physical and chemical restraints.

On the other hand, I have participated as a teacher in different courses and conferences on dementia, behaviour management, non-pharmacological therapies, person-centred care, promotion of good care and safe care without restraints.

Currently I work in the Unit of Coordination of Studies and Technical Support of Imserso (Institution of older people and social services of Spain), participating in different research projects, both national and international, related to long-term care and new models of care for people with disabilities and older people.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Countries Spain;
Topics Care Homes; Dementia care and support; End-of-life care and LTC; Ethics and care; New models of care; Person-centered care; Prevention and rehabilitation and LTC; Residential LTC services;
Methods Knowledge-exchange; Practice-based approaches;
Role Policy;
Interest Groups Community-based approaches to dementia care; Long-Term Care in Spain; Long-Term Care Policy; Strengthening Responses to Dementia;
Research interests

Long-term care services, good practices, dementia care.
Key publications

– Espantaleón, L., Antón, J.A., Rodríguez, M.A., Roa, J.M. (7-9 June 2023). Effectiveness of a restraint reduction plan in a public nursing home in the Community of Madrid. 63rd Congress of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
– Espantaleón, L., Rodríguez, I., Pancorbo, J.C., Marina, J.L., Martínez, C. (12-14 June 2019). Analysis of the relationship between functional impairment and manual dexterity tests with a smartphone. 61st Congress of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain.
– Rodríguez, I., Espantaleón, L. (June 13-15, 2018). Improvement of the quality of care after the implementation of a restraint removal programme. 60th Congress of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
– Alvarez, I., Zuloaga, B., Franco, A., Sáez M.L., Espantaleón, L., Escribano, L., Llavona, M., De Simone, M. (2021). Study on psychology professionals in the field of dementia in the Community of Madrid. Current situation and proposals. Official College of Psychology of Madrid.
– Espantaleón, L., Grijota, S. (06-08 June 2021). Improvement of the emotional and behavioural state in advanced dementia by means of an integral sensory stimulation programme. 54th Congress of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
– Espantaleón, L., Martínez, M.C., Alvarez, S. (23-24 November 2018). Effectiveness of sensory stimulation in people with dementia through elements of their biography. IV Professional Update Conference on Neuropsychology and VI ISNA-Spain Snoezelen Stimulation Conference. Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain.
– Espantaleón, L., Fernández, M. (28-30 September 2011). Effects of bird-assisted therapy on behavioural and emotional response in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 7th Congress of the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.
– Rodríguez, I., Espantaleón, L. (28-30 September 2011). Five-year experience with diagnostic and therapeutic approach in dementia in a nursing home in Madrid. 7th Congress of the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.
– Espantaleón, L., Rodríguez, I. (02-05 June 2010). Diagnostic and therapeutic approach model to dementia in the residential setting. Influencing factors in the choice of candidates. 52nd Congress of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Valladolid, Castilla y León, Spain.
– Rodríguez, I., Espantaleón, L., López de la Torre, R. (03-06 June 2009). Prevalence of ‘hidden’ (undiagnosed) cognitive impairment in a nursing home. Related factors. 51st Congress of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain