Improving quality of life for people with dementia in care homes: making psychosocial interventions work

Vanessa Lawrence, Jane Fossey, Clive Ballard, Esme Moniz-Cook, Joanna Murray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

157 Citations (Scopus)
385 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial interventions can improve behaviour and mood in people with dementia, but it is unclear how to maximise their effectiveness or acceptability in residential settings.

AIMS: To understand what underlies the successful implementation of psychosocial interventions in care homes.

METHOD: Systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

RESULTS: The synthesis of 39 qualitative papers revealed that beneficial psychosocial interventions met the needs of people with dementia to connect with others, make a meaningful contribution and reminisce. Successful implementation rested on the active engagement of staff and family and the continuing provision of tailored interventions and support. This necessitated staff time, and raised issues around priorities and risk, but ultimately helped redefine staff attitudes towards residents and the caregiving role.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the meta-synthesis can help to inform the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions in care homes and support their widespread implementation in clinical settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)344-351
Number of pages8
JournalBritish Journal of Psychiatry
Volume201
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Dementia
  • Humans
  • Institutionalization
  • Nursing Homes
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Psychotherapy
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome

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