scholarly journals Launching ‘Namaste Care’ in Canada: findings from training sessions and initial perceptions of an end-of-life programme for people with advanced dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 403-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
Paulette V Hunter ◽  
Courtney Hill ◽  
Rachel Moss ◽  
Joy Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Public Lecture

Background Multisensory approaches and programmes have been developed to improve the quality of both life and dying for people with advanced dementia. However, little is known about the experiences of staff, family and others involved in the use of these programmes, and in the relevant education provided to improve the quality of life of residents living with advanced dementia in long-term care homes. Aim The aim of this study was to explore early experiences associated with the implementation of a new programme called ‘Namaste Care’ in two Canadian long-term care homes. Methods A multiple methods design was used. This included a survey to evaluate a 2-day education programme and qualitative description of interview data that explored experiences during the first 3 months of implementation. Results Survey respondents included 44 long-term care staff and 44 others (primarily family) who had attended a 2-day training session or public lecture. Interviews were undertaken with 18 staff, 5 family members and 2 volunteers to generate qualitative descriptions about the last 3 months of implementation of the 2-day education programme. The majority of those who attended training rated this as excellent and affirmed that they now understood the purpose of ‘Namaste Care’. Most endorsed that they had learned some essentials of ‘Namaste Care’ delivery. The majority of those who attended the public lecture were very satisfied with the education, and better understood how this novel programme could be implemented in long-term care. Qualitative description of interview data revealed that participants were positive about ‘Namaste Care’ in long-term care, and identified both barriers and facilitators to implementation as well as recommendations to help with future implementation. Conclusions These study findings support the use of a facility-wide educational programme to help launch a new innovation in long-term care.

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.

Perceptions of family and staff on the role of the environment in long-term care homes for people with dementia

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 753-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda J. Garcia ◽  
Michèle Hébert ◽  
Jean Kozak ◽  
Isabelle Sénécal ◽  
Susan E. Slaughter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Disruptive Behaviors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members

ABSTRACTBackground: Disruptive behaviors are frequent and often the first predictor of institutionalization. The goal of this multi-center study was to explore the perceptions of family and staff members on the potential contribution of environmental factors that influence disruptive behaviors and quality of life of residents with dementia living in long-term care homes.Methods: Data were collected using 15 nominal focus groups with 45 family and 59 staff members from eight care units. Groups discussed and created lists of factors that could either reduce disruptive behaviors and facilitate quality of life or encourage disruptive behaviors and impede the quality of life of residents. Then each participant individually selected the nine most important facilitators and obstacles. Themes were identified from the lists of data and operational categories and definitions were developed for independent coding by four researchers.Results: Participants from both family and staff nominal focus groups highlighted facility, staffing, and resident factors to consider when creating optimal environments. Human environments were perceived to be more important than physical environments and flexibility was judged to be essential. Noise was identified as one of the most important factors influencing behavior and quality of life of residents.Conclusion: Specialized physical design features can be useful for maintaining quality of life and reducing disruptive behaviors, but they are not sufficient. Although they can ease some of the anxieties and set the stage for social interactions, individuals who make up the human environment are just as important in promoting well-being among residents.

scholarly journals Challenges in Caring for Unbefriended Residents in Long-term Care Homes: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. 2050-2061
Author(s):  
Stephanie A Chamberlain ◽  
Wendy Duggleby ◽  
Pamela B Teaster ◽  
Janet Fast ◽  
Carole A Estabrooks
Keyword(s):  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Care Aides

Abstract Objectives This study examined challenges experienced by long-term care staff in caring for unbefriended residents who are incapacitated and alone. These residents often are estranged from or have no living family or live geographically distant from them and require a public guardian as their surrogate decision-maker. To date, research on unbefriended older adults has focused on those living in acute care and community settings. Little is known about those living in long-term care homes. Method We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 long-term care staff (e.g., registered nurses, care aides, social workers) and 3 public guardians. Staff were sampled from seven long-term care homes in Alberta, Canada. We analyzed interview transcripts using content analysis and then using the theoretical framework of complex adaptive systems. Results Long-term care staff experience challenges unique to unbefriended residents. Guardians’ responsibilities did not fulfill unbefriended residents’ needs, such as shopping for personal items or accompanying residents to appointments. Consequently, the guardians rely on long-term care staff, particularly care aides, to provide increased levels of care and support. These additional responsibilities, and organizational messages dissuading staff from providing preferential care, diminish quality of work life for staff. Discussion Long-term care homes are complex adaptive systems. Within these systems, we found organizational barriers for long-term care staff providing care to unbefriended residents. These barriers may be modifiable and could improve the quality of care for unbefriended residents and quality of life of staff. Implications for practice include adjusting public guardian scope of work, improving team communication, and compensating staff for additional care.

scholarly journals Nutritional quality of regular and pureed menus in Canadian long term care homes: an analysis of the Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3) project

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Vucea ◽  
Heather H. Keller ◽  
Jill M. Morrison ◽  
Alison M. Duncan ◽  
Lisa M. Duizer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care

Creating Bridges Between Researchers and Long-Term Care Homes to Promote Quality of Life for Residents

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1689-1704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
Jaime Williams ◽  
Thomas Hadjistavropoulos ◽  
Lilian Thorpe ◽  
Susan Whiting ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care

Quality of Life and Pain Medication Use in Persons With Advanced Dementia Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 1432-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulien H. van Dam ◽  
Monique A.A. Caljouw ◽  
Dagrun D. Slettebø ◽  
Wilco P. Achterberg ◽  
Bettina S. Husebo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Pain Medication ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

scholarly journals Can We Help Care Providers Communicate More Effectively With Persons Having Dementia Living in Long-Term Care Homes?

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine S. McGilton ◽  
Elizabeth Rochon ◽  
Souraya Sidani ◽  
Alexander Shaw ◽  
Boaz M. Ben-David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Communication Intervention ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Centered Care

Background: Effective communication between residents with dementia and care providers in long-term care homes (LTCHs) is essential to resident-centered care. Purpose: To determine the effects of a communication intervention on residents’ quality of life (QOL) and care, as well as care providers’ perceived knowledge, mood, and burden. Method: The intervention included (1) individualized communication plans, (2) a dementia care workshop, and (3) a care provider support system. Pre- and postintervention scores were compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention. A total of 12 residents and 20 care providers in an LTCH participated in the feasibility study. Results: The rate of care providers’ adherence to the communication plans was 91%. Postintervention, residents experienced a significant increase in overall QOL. Care providers had significant improvement in mood and perceived reduced burden. Conclusion: The results suggest that the communication intervention demonstrates preliminary evidence of positive effects on residents’ QOL and care providers’ mood and burden.

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