scholarly journals Interventions to foster family inclusion in nursing homes for people with dementia: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramona Backhaus ◽  
Linda J. M. Hoek ◽  
Erica de Vries ◽  
Jolanda C. M. van Haastregt ◽  
Jan P. H. Hamers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Foster Family ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Individualized Care ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Actual Increase

Abstract Background Family inclusion in nursing homes is central to the provision of individualized care for people with dementia. Although positive effects can be recognized, barriers have been identified that hamper family inclusion in nursing homes. Specifically for people with dementia, insight into the content of interventions to foster family inclusion is lacking. Methods A systematic review was performed by systematically searching the databases PubMed, Cinahl, PsycInfo and Embase. Studies were eligible if they examined (1) nursing home settings, (2) interventions to foster the inclusion of family members from people with dementia, (3) were original research articles in which effects/experiences of/with these interventions were evaluated, and (4) were written in English, Dutch or German. Findings were summarized systematically. Results Twenty-nine studies were included. Two interventions were targeted at creating family-staff partnerships from a two-way perspective. Other interventions focused on single components, such as including family members in formal decisions (n = 9), enabling them to make better informed decisions and/or participate more actively (n = 7), or providing psychoeducation for family members (n = 3). Within the interventions, family and staff members are often treated differently. Effects on actual increase in family inclusion remain unclear. Conclusions Very few interventions exist that try to enhance equal family-staff partnerships in nursing homes. Future interventions should pay specific attention to mutual exchange and reciprocity between family and staff. As little is known about promising (components of) interventions to foster family inclusion in nursing homes for people with dementia, more effectiveness research is needed.

scholarly journals Mealtime Care for People With Dementia: What Do Nursing Home Staff Think?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 182-183
Author(s):  
James Faraday ◽  
Clare Abley ◽  
Catherine Exley ◽  
Joanne Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Direct Care Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Comparison Approach ◽  
The Right

Abstract More and more people with dementia are living in nursing homes (NH). Often, they depend on NH staff for help with eating and drinking. It is important that staff have the skills and support they need to provide good care at mealtimes. This qualitative study explores mealtime care for people with dementia, from the perspective of NH staff. Semi-structured interviews with NH staff (n=16) were carried out in two nursing homes. The homes were chosen to have diverse characteristics: one home had a large number of beds and was part of a small local organization; the other had a small number of beds and was part of a large national organization. Various staff members were interviewed, including direct care staff, senior carers, nurses, managers, and kitchen staff. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A constant comparison approach was taken, so that data from early interviews were explored in more depth subsequently. From the analysis, five themes emerged as important in mealtime care for people with dementia living in nursing homes: Setting the right tone; Working well as a team; Knowing the residents; Promoting autonomy and independence; Gently persevering. This work forms part of a larger ethnographic study on the topic, which includes data from residents with dementia, and family carers. Results will inform the development of a staff training intervention to optimize mealtime care for this population.

scholarly journals Getting Along in Assisted Living: Quality of Relationships Between Family Members and Staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1445-1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
M Carrington Reid ◽  
Leslie Schultz ◽  
Rhoda H Meador ◽  
Karl Pillemer
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Interpersonal Conflict ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
Family Outcomes ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Negative Interactions

Abstract Background and Objectives Assisted living facilities (ALFs) have quickly expanded as an alternative to nursing homes. Research on nursing homes has revealed problems in relationships between family members and staff. However, little is known about these relationships within ALFs. The purpose of the current study was to examine the prevalence of conflict and positive and negative interactions from the perspective of both family members and staff and to examine the effects of positive and negative aspects of the relationship on salient staff and family outcomes in ALFs. Research Design and Methods Data were collected from 252 family members and 472 staff members across 20 ALFs who participated in the Partners in Care in Assisted Living study. Participants completed measures including interpersonal conflict, depressive symptoms, perception of treatment, and stress related to caregiving. Results Conflict among family and staff members was found to be relatively low. For staff, interpersonal conflict and treatment by family members significantly predicted burnout and depressive symptoms. For families, only female gender significantly predicted burden. Subgroup analyses, however, indicated that the effect of interpersonal conflict was significantly associated with perceived caregiver burden among family members whose relative had dementia. Discussion and Implications Despite the relatively harmonious relationships among family–staff in ALFs, sources of conflict and negative interactions were identified, revealing the importance of collaborative relationships and the influence these relationships have on both family and staff outcomes. These findings can inform intervention efforts to improve family–staff interactions within ALFs.

scholarly journals The Unforgettables: a chorus for people with dementia with their family members and friends

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 779-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Sherman Mittelman ◽  
Panayiota Maria Papayannopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Cohen's D

Summary/AbstractOur experience evaluating a museum program for people with dementia together with their family members demonstrated benefits for all participants. We hypothesized that participation in a chorus would also have positive effects, giving them an opportunity to share a stimulating and social activity that could improve their quality of life. We inaugurated a chorus for people with dementia and their family caregivers in 2011, which rehearses and performs regularly. Each person with dementia must be accompanied by a friend or family member and must commit to attending all rehearsals and the concert that ensues. A pilot study included a structured assessment, take home questionnaires and focus groups. Analyses of pre-post scores were conducted; effect size was quantified using Cohen's d. Results showed that quality of life and communication with the other member of the dyad improved (Effect size: Cohen's d between 0.32 and 0.72) for people with dementia; quality of life, social support, communication and self-esteem improved (d between 0.29 and 0.68) for caregivers. Most participants stated that benefits included belonging to a group, having a normal activity together and learning new skills. Participants attended rehearsals in spite of harsh weather conditions. The chorus has been rehearsing and performing together for more than 6 years and contributing to its costs. Results of this pilot study suggest that people in the early to middle stage of dementia and their family members and friends can enjoy and learn from rehearsing and performing in concerts that also engage the wider community. It is essential to conduct additional larger studies of the benefits of participating in a chorus, which may include improved quality of life and social support for all, and reduced cognitive decline among people with dementia.

scholarly journals Interventions for improving self-direction in people with dementia: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola M. E. Döpp ◽  
Hermijntje Drenth ◽  
Paul-Jeroen Verkade ◽  
Anneke F. Francke ◽  
Iris van der Heide
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Essential Components

Abstract Background Dementia is a progressive disease that affects people’s everyday functioning, including the ability to express values, needs and wishes, which can be considered key elements of self-direction. For the purpose of this review, self-direction refers to the organization and/or coordination of your own life, including professional and other care, with the objective of having what you perceive to be a good life. The aim of this systematic review was to assess and describe interventions that aim to improve self-direction of people with dementia. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and the Cochrane Library. Empirical studies up to April 2020 were included that used qualitative and/or quantitative methods and reported on interventions for people with dementia aimed at improving self-direction. Stepwise study selection and the assessment of methodological quality were conducted independently by two authors. Data on study and intervention characteristics, outcomes related to self-direction and well-being of people with dementia and factors influencing the feasibility were extracted systematically and described narratively. Results Ten studies were identified describing a total of nine interventions. Interventions varied in terms of goals, content, target population and duration. Overall, interventions consisted of multiple components focusing on identifying “Who am I?” (beliefs, strengths, values, goals), identifying “What is important to me?” (meaningful activities and goal setting) and/or communicating about preferences with professionals and/or caregivers. The review provides indications that people with dementia may benefit from the interventions included. Overall, positive effects were found in studies on outcomes related to self-direction and wellbeing. However, outcomes measured using quantitative methods showed inconsistent effects between the studies. Conclusions Although the methodological quality of all the studies included was ‘good’ or at least ‘fair’, the evidence base of interventions aiming to improve self-direction is still limited due to the low number of studies, the low number of participants and the frequent use of and their authors’ own non-standardized measures. Nevertheless, the review points towards positive effects on self-direction and well-being. Identifying individual beliefs, strengths, values, goals and meaningful activities can be essential components of these interventions, as well as communication about the desired care and support.

Strategies for Recruiting People With Dementia to Music Therapy Studies: Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity A Baker ◽  
Jonathan Pool ◽  
Kjersti Johansson ◽  
Thomas Wosch ◽  
Anna A Bukowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Conversion Rates

Abstract Positive effects of music therapy for people with dementia and their family carers are reported in a growing number of studies. However, small sample sizes or low recruitment rates often limit the success of these research studies. More adequately powered evidence-based studies are needed to impact policy and funding in dementia care. This systematic review examined recruitment strategies in music therapy clinical trials involving people living with dementia and/or their family carers. Eligible studies described enrolment, consent, accrual, or recruitment methods as well as recruitment or consent rates. Thirty studies with a total of 1,192 participants were included. Recruitment and conversion rates in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) (14 studies) were substantially higher than in community-based studies (16 studies). Whereas studies in RACFs most commonly recruited participants through staff approaching residents face-to-face or conversing with residents’ legal guardians, community-based studies utilized a vast array of strategies, including staff referral, demonstrations/information sessions by researchers, advertisements, and direct contact with residents. Recruitment rates are likely to be higher when recruiters have an existing relationship with potential participants and when an independent third-party dementia organization is involved. Randomized controlled trials led to equally or greater recruitment conversion rates than other designs. Findings suggest that recruitment in dementia trials is complex, challenging, and needs thorough planning and consideration to be time- and cost-effective. Future studies should include reporting of recruitment strategies, enrolment rates, and related aspects so that researchers can better design recruitment strategies and estimate resources needed to reach the target sample size.

scholarly journals Interpersonal Relationships in Assisted Living: Findings From a Survey of Family Members and Staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 383-384
Author(s):  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
M Cary Reid ◽  
Leslie Schultz ◽  
Karl Pillemer
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Interpersonal Conflict ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
Family Outcomes ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Staff Interactions ◽  
Staff Relations

Abstract In recent decades, assisted living facilities (ALFs) have grown dramatically as an alternative to nursing homes. Research in nursing homes has shed light on the nature of the relationships that exist between family members and staff. However, little is known about family-staff relations within ALFs. We present data from the first study to describe the prevalence of conflict and positive and negative family-staff interactions in ALFs and to examine whether positive and negative aspects of the relationship contribute to salient staff and family outcomes. We use data collected from 252 family members and 472 staff members across 20 ALFs from the Partners in Care in Assisted Living (PICAL) study. Participants completed measures including interpersonal conflict, depression, perception of treatment, and stress-related to caregiving. Results showed that conflict among family and staff members is relatively low in ALFs. For staff, interpersonal conflict and treatment by family members significantly predicted burnout and depression. For families, only gender significantly predicted burden. Subgroup analyses, however, indicated that the effect of interpersonal conflict was significantly associated with perceived caregiver burden among family members whose relative has dementia. Despite the relatively harmonious relationships identified among family members and staff in ALFs, sources of conflict and negative interactions were identified, revealing the influence these relationships have on both family and staff outcomes. These findings can inform intervention efforts targeting family-staff interactions within ALFs.

Psychoeducational Intervention for Sexuality with the Aged, Family Members of the Aged, and People Who Work with the Aged

1983 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles B. White ◽  
Joseph A. Catania
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
And Behavior

Sexual attitudes, knowledge, and behavior have been shown to be a life-long pattern of evolving behavior without a clear beginning and ending. Older persons were educated and socialized in an environment that viewed sexuality as a procreative activity appropriate only for married persons in the child bearing years, thus neglecting the interpersonal and individual aspects of sexuality. A sexual psychoeducational intervention was conducted and evaluated with older persons, adult family members of older persons, and staff members of nursing homes. Results indicated significant changes in attitudes toward and knowledge about sexuality and aging and sexual behavior.

scholarly journals Interventions to support family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life in nursing homes: A mixed-methods systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110667
Author(s):  
Silvia Gonella ◽  
Gary Mitchell ◽  
Laura Bavelaar ◽  
Alessio Conti ◽  
Mariangela Vanalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Support Family

Background: Most people with dementia transition into nursing homes as their disease progresses. Their family caregivers often continue to be involved in their relative’s care and experience high level of strain at the end of life. Aim: To gather and synthesize information on interventions to support family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life in nursing homes and provide a set of recommendations for practice. Design: Mixed-Methods Systematic Review (PROSPERO no. CRD42020217854) with convergent integrated approach. Data sources: Five electronic databases were searched from inception in November 2020. Published qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies of interventions to support family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life in nursing home were included. No language or temporal limits were applied. Results: In all, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis resulted in three integrated findings: (i) healthcare professionals should engage family caregivers in ongoing dialog and provide adequate time and space for sensitive discussions; (ii) end-of-life discussions should be face-to-face and supported by written information whose timing of supply may vary according to family caregivers’ preferences and the organizational policies and cultural context; and (iii) family caregivers should be provided structured psychoeducational programs tailored to their specific needs and/or regular family meetings about dementia care at the end of life. Conclusion: The findings provide useful information on which interventions may benefit family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life and where, when, and how they should be provided.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document