scholarly journals “We Are Doing These Things So That People Will Not Laugh at Us”: Caregivers’ Attitudes About Dementia and Caregiving in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110041
Author(s):  
Candidus C. Nwakasi ◽  
Kate de Medeiros ◽  
Foluke S. Bosun-Arije
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Knowledge Deficit ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Impact

Some Nigerians, in their effort to make sense of dementia symptoms, use descriptions that may stigmatize people with dementia and their families. This qualitative descriptive study focused on the everyday understanding of dementia and the impact of stigma on the caregiving experiences of informal female Nigerian dementia caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 adult informal female caregivers in Nigeria and analyzed for themes. Afterward, results were presented to focus groups of 21 adult Nigerians residing in the United States for more contextual insight on the findings. The three major themes were misconceptions about dementia symptoms, caregiving protects against stigmatization, and stigma affects caregiving support. Overall, we argue that knowledge deficit, poor awareness, and traditional spiritual beliefs combine to drive dementia-related stigmatization in Nigeria. Strategies such as culturally appropriate dementia awareness campaigns and formal long-term care policies are urgently needed to help strengthen informal dementia caregiving in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Stigmatization and the Experience of Informal Dementia Caregivers in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 277-277
Author(s):  
Candidus Nwakasi ◽  
Kate de Medeiros ◽  
Darlingtina Esiaka
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Informal Caregiving ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Nigerian Women ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Impact

Abstract There is no formal word for dementia in Nigeria. Instead, some Nigerians, in their effort to make sense of dementia symptoms, use descriptions that may result in stigmatization of people living with dementia and their families. With Nigeria’s rapid aging, increased risk of dementia, and lack of formal long-term care, this study focused on the impact of stigma on the caregiving experiences of Nigerian women. This exploration is significant as adult females in Nigeria are the pillar of informal caregiving in the country. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 adult informal female caregivers in Anambra, Nigeria. Data were then transcribed, coded and analyzed for themes. Afterwards, focus groups of 21 adult Nigerians residing in Ohio, US, were conducted to offer more contextual insight on the findings. The three major themes identified were: 1) negative views of dementia symptoms (e.g., witchcraft, madness), 2) caregiving protects against stigmatization (e.g., by keeping family members out of sight), and 3) stigma and caregiving support such as adult children abandoning parents with dementia because of the stigma associated with dementia. Given the overwhelming presence of stigma in all aspects of dementia to include dementia caregiving, results point to the critical need for better strategies to help strengthen informal caregiving in Nigeria. This includes culturally appropriate dementia education for families and caregivers, and formal long-term care policies that include care support in a rapidly aging Nigeria.

Cycling Without Age Program: The Impact for Residents in Long-Term Care

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 728-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula McNiel ◽  
Judith Westphal
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
The Impact

Long-term care facilities seek ways to enhance the quality of life for residents. Cycling Without Age (CWA), a new international cycling program, is gaining momentum for older adults. This study explored resident riders’ and trishaw pilots’ lived experience of their participation in the CWA program using a qualitative approach at a long-term care facility in the United States. Researchers conducted 27 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with riders and pilots. For resident riders, the three themes identified included (a) breath of fresh air; (b) wave, chat, and remember; and (c) sit back and relax. Two themes were identified for the pilots: (a) change in frame of mind, and (b) mental and physical rewards. CWA can be as a new strategy for person-centered care. The CWA program provides nursing an opportunity to advocate, recommend, and obtain an order for residents to participate in the program.

Namaste Care™: A Person-Centered Care Approach for Alzheimer’s and Advanced Dementia

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula McNiel ◽  
Judith Westphal
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

New methods of care are required to meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. The Namaste Care™ program provides a person-centered approach through meaningful activities and loving touch. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of residents, staff, and family involved in the Namaste Care™ program at a long-term care facility in the United States. A descriptive approach was used to interview 14 staff members. The findings revealed six themes: peaceful sanctuary, relating their way, transforming experiences, connections and community, positive moments, and awakened to the possibilities. Results suggest that Namaste Care™ may be useful for individuals no longer able to participate in traditional long-term care setting activities. Further studies are indicated to confirm the impact on hospital readmissions, therapy enhancement, and medication use in relationship to Namaste Care™ program participation.

scholarly journals Understanding contributors to quality of care in long-term care and changes under COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 960-960
Author(s):  
Sara Luck ◽  
Katie Aubrecht
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Nursing home facilities are responsible for providing care for some of the most vulnerable groups in society, including the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. In times of crisis, such as COVID-19 or other pandemics, the delivery of ‘regular’ care can be significantly impacted. In relation to COVID-19, there is an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to care for residents, as PPE not only protects care staff but also residents. Nursing homes across the United States and Canada have also taken protective measures to maximize the safety of residents by banning visitors, stopping all group activities, and increasing infection control measures. This presentation shares a research protocol and early findings from a study investigating the impact of COVID-19 on quality of care in residential long-term care (LTC) in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. This study used a qualitative description design to explore what contributes to quality of care for residents living in long-term care, and how this could change in times of crisis from the perspective of long-term care staff. Interviews were conducted with a broad range of staff at one LTC home. A semi-structured interview guide and approach to thematic analysis was framed by a social ecological perspective, making it possible to include the individual and proximal social influences as well as community, organizations, and policy influencers. Insights gained will improve the understanding of quality of care, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to care during times of crisis.

scholarly journals FAMILY DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ EPIPHANIES AND CHANGES IN THEIR APPROACH TO CARING FOLLOWING THE VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S554-S554
Author(s):  
Candace C Harrington ◽  
Candace C Harrington
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Health Indices ◽  
Person Perspective ◽  
Eye Opening

Abstract Previous interventional studies have failed to show long-term improvements in caregiver stress, health indices, burden, or delay in long-term care placement. The Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) provides a vicarious first-person perspective of symptoms related to dementia. This interpretative phenomenological study revealed family dementia caregivers’ perceptions of the VDT® and its impact on their perception of a person living with dementia. In-depth open semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten VDT® participants following a community event. Participants’ statements described a life-changing process with eye-opening epiphanies about the lived experience of dementia and served as a “call to action” to change their approach to caring. Innovative advances in family caregiving research are critical to support this valuable geriatric workforce. This original study provided new knowledge about the value of the VDT® to inform interventions that harness the unrecognized power of vicarious experiences like the VDT® for family dementia caregivers to improve long-term outcomes.

Dementia in rural settings: examining the experiences of former partners in care

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
RACHEL V. HERRON ◽  
MARK W. ROSENBERG
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Home Support ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
Person With Dementia

ABSTRACTInformal carers, also referred to as partners in care, provide the bulk of care to people living with dementia across a range of community settings; however, the changing experiences and contexts of providing informal care for people with dementia in rural settings are under-studied. Drawing on 27 semi-structured interviews with former partners in care in Southwestern and Northern Ontario, Canada, we examine experiences of providing and accessing care over the course of the condition and across various settings. Our findings illustrate the challenges associated with navigating the system of care, finding people who understand dementia in the surrounding community, negotiating hours of home support, facing resistance to respite from the person with dementia, and feeling pressured into long-term care. We argue that partners' time, bodies and choices are spatially constrained within rural and small-town settings and the current systems of home, community and long-term care.

A Rapid Qualitative Appraisal of the Impact of COVID-19 on Long-term Care Communities in the United States: Perspectives from Area Aging Staff and Advocates

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-322
Author(s):  
Andrea Freidus ◽  
Dena Shenk ◽  
Christin Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Community ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Key Points ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 epidemic has hit residents and staff of congregate long-term care communities particularly hard. In North Carolina, the site of this research, over half of registered mortality has been associated with congregate living communities. This article reports on phase one of a rapid qualitative assessment of long-term care professionals and regional aging staff navigating care during this epidemic. Our purpose is twofold. We demonstrate both the value of rapid qualitative appraisals to capture the perspectives and concerns of COVID-19’s long-term care workers and area aging staff, in this case, the staff and advocates that care for and protect the rights of long-term care community residents as well as present data collected in this phase. Key points raised focus on safety, including access and use of personal protective equipment, infection control, limited testing, and staffing issues. In addition, participants expressed concerns about the physical and mental health of residents because they have been isolated from family and friends since the executive order closed these communities to all non-essential people. We will utilize these data, in collaboration with staff and advocates, to inform policy and programming to better address the needs of both residents and staff of long-term care communities.

scholarly journals A qualitative study of the views of residents with dementia, their relatives and staff about work practice in long-term care settings

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Train ◽  
Shirley Nurock ◽  
Ginnette Kitchen ◽  
Monica Manela ◽  
Gill Livingston
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Challenging Behavior ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staffing Levels ◽  
People With Dementia

Background: Most people living in 24-hour care settings have dementia, and little is known about what makes long-term care a positive experience for them.Method: This carer-led qualitative study examined working practices in 24-hour long-term care-settings, including hospitals, nursing and residential homes, with the aim of finding out and making recommendations about such settings. Using semi-structured interviews, managers, nurses and care assistants were asked about work practices, such as how they coped with difficult behavior, about shifts, staffing levels, staff retention and training. Relatives of residents with dementia were asked about their role and perceptions of the care provided, and residents were asked for their opinions of their care.Results: Staff reported that residents presented with increasingly challenging behavior compared to the past, and that sometimes staffing levels and skills were inadequate. Of all the settings, hospitals had the most problems with staffing levels and retention, staff-relative relationships and staff support systems. Relatives saw their own role as positive. People with dementia of varying severity could usefully evaluate some of the services they received.Discussion: Dementia-specific training and education of staff in all long-term care-settings, including induction, should address the management of problem behavior in dementia and thereby improve staff fulfilment and relatives' satisfaction. The long-stay hospital may not be appropriate as a “home for life” for those with dementia, and we recommend that long-stay care settings should be able to cater flexibly for a range of resident needs.

Older people’s long-term care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: a qualitative descriptive study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kofi Awuviry-Newton ◽  
Jacob Oppong Nkansah ◽  
Abraham Newton ◽  
Kwamina Abekah-Carter
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Policies ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Descriptive Approach ◽  
Southern Ghana

This study explores older people’s long-term care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. A qualitative descriptive approach employing semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from 15 older people from Southern Ghana. Analysis of interview data resulted in five interrelated themes: (1) sources and type of long-term care; (2) older people’s satisfaction with the long-term care received; (3) changes in their long-term care; (4) feelings of neglect regarding long-term care; and (5) older people’s resilience in long-term care. The sustainability of long-term care depends on the state’s ability to devise innovative long-term care policies and programmes to promote older people’s and their carers’ well-being.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document