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Article
Publication date: 31 May 2013

Rachael Litherland and Toby Williamson

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mapping processes and lessons learned in a project to scope the user involvement activity of groups of people with dementia across the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mapping processes and lessons learned in a project to scope the user involvement activity of groups of people with dementia across the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered using a mapping questionnaire designed with help from people with dementia, in‐depth interviews and through a filming process at two national events. A total of 32 groups completed the main questionnaire and five groups were interviewed.

Findings

The collective voice of people with dementia is at a relatively early stage. Groups are at different stages on their journeys and many (completely understandably) prioritise peer support, and local rather than national action. But user‐led groups are growing in number and confidence. They ask for support in capacity‐building, networking and learning from each other so they can increase their influence over attitudes, policy and services.

Research limitations/implications

The paper relies on self reports from groups the authors were able to identify.

Originality/value

Research that looks at the mechanisms that support the involvement of people with dementia is still in its infancy. This paper combines data and findings from a wide range of groups to provide recommendations about how to improve the involvement of people with dementia.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2007

Joan Murphy, Cindy Gray and Sylvia Cox

Enabling people with dementia to continue to communicate their views, needs and preferences as their condition progresses is essential for development of person‐centred services…

Abstract

Enabling people with dementia to continue to communicate their views, needs and preferences as their condition progresses is essential for development of person‐centred services and care facilities. This paper describes part of a 15‐month research project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It examined the effectiveness of Talking Mats, a low‐technology communication tool, to help people with dementia express their opinions, in comparison with usual communication methods. The study involved 31 people at different stages of dementia who were interviewed about their well‐being under three conditions: unstructured (ordinary) conversation, structured conversation and Talking Mats conversation. The study found that Talking Mats can improve the communication ability of many people at all stages of dementia in expressing their views about their well‐being.

Details

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-8790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2010

Neil Mapes

This article explores the benefits of green exercise and open spaces for people living with dementia. These benefits are set within the existing general evidence base concerning…

476

Abstract

This article explores the benefits of green exercise and open spaces for people living with dementia. These benefits are set within the existing general evidence base concerning well‐being and connection with nature. The scale of the social, economic and demographic challenges are outlined to enable potential opportunities to be identified. The benefits of green exercise, contact and connection with nature and open spaces for people with dementia and the current research gaps are identified. A case study of Dementia Adventure is highlighted, as are implications for practice.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2007

Joan Murphy, Cindy Gray and Sylvia Cox

The aims of this project were to establish whether Talking Mats, a low tech communication framework, helps people with dementia to communicate and to examine how effective the…

Abstract

The aims of this project were to establish whether Talking Mats, a low tech communication framework, helps people with dementia to communicate and to examine how effective the Talking Mats framework is for people at different stages of dementia. Thirty‐one people at three stages of dementia were interviewed about their well‐being under three interview conditions ‐ an unstructured (ordinary) conversation, a structured conversation and using the Talking Mats framework.The results indicated that conversations using the Talking Mats framework improved communication for people at all stages of dementia but that not all people at late‐stage dementia could use the Talking Mats framework effectively.The researchers concluded that the Talking Mats framework may therefore play an important role in improving quality of care by providing a simple, low‐cost tool that family and staff can use to engage with people with dementia and help them express their views about a range of topics.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2011

Susan Mary Benbow, Anna Tsaroucha, Maurice Ashley, Kathleen Morgan and Paul Kingston

Through consultation with people living with dementia and carers, this paper aims to identify skills that patients and carers feel need to be developed in the workforce. This work…

725

Abstract

Purpose

Through consultation with people living with dementia and carers, this paper aims to identify skills that patients and carers feel need to be developed in the workforce. This work is part of a project to develop competencies for the West Midlands dementia workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

People living with a dementia and carers were contacted through cafés, a carers' group and memory group, and two people contributed interviews to the analysis. All materials were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis.

Findings

Feedback was received from 69 individuals. In total, six major themes were identified: knowledge about dementia, person centred care, communication, relationships, support and helping people engage in activities.

Originality/value

It is argued that people living with dementia and carers bring unique and valuable perspectives to an analysis of the skills of the dementia workforce, which grounds the required skills in the relationship between the worker and the person and family they are working with. This different emphasis needs to be considered and addressed throughout dementia training and education.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2010

Tracey Oliver, Joan Murphy and Sylvia Cox

People with dementia who feel included in decisions about their care show higher well‐being and positive adjustment to accepting care than those who feel their family make…

Abstract

People with dementia who feel included in decisions about their care show higher well‐being and positive adjustment to accepting care than those who feel their family make decisions for them (Bourgeois, 1991). Most carers want to involve the person with dementia in decision‐making and care arrangements, but many struggle because of the communication and cognitive problems associated with the condition. Research examined whether the Talking Mats framework could help people with dementia and their family carers feel more involved in decisions about managing their daily living. Eighteen couples (person with dementia and family carer) were asked to discuss how the person with dementia was managing their daily living activities using the Talking Mats framework (Condition A), and when having a typical conversation (Condition B). Each couple then completed a brief questionnaire separately to measure how involved they felt in both types of discussion. Both the person with dementia and their family carer felt more involved in discussions about managing daily living when using the Talking Mats framework than when having a typical conversation. Qualitative analysis of all discussions also offered insight into what people with dementia who are still living at home are managing in relation to their daily living. The study will contribute in a practical way to the current debate on how to involve people with dementia meaningfully in service planning. This will have implications for the organisation, delivery, and improvement of services to people with dementia.

Details

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-8790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

Nada Savitch, Deborah Brooks and Stephen Wey

Atdementia.org.uk is well established as the primary information resource about assistive technology (AT) that is helpful specifically for people with dementia. This paper aims to…

519

Abstract

Purpose

Atdementia.org.uk is well established as the primary information resource about assistive technology (AT) that is helpful specifically for people with dementia. This paper aims to describe the development of a new online interface for the website that aims to encourage people with dementia to talk about the problems they are experiencing in their daily lives; guide them towards advice and information about technologies and other strategies that might be helpful; and enable them to become more involved in choices about their care and support.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the design process of the AT Guide and how people with dementia were involved in all aspects of the design. The design needed to balance the goals and aspirations of people with dementia with the database of assistive technology that is available and offer non technological solutions where appropriate.

Findings

Combining skills and knowledge from different organisations has enabled the creation of a useful online service for people with dementia and their families. The project showed that using creative ways involving people with dementia in the development of products and services is both possible and desirable.

Originality/value

For people with dementia and their carers finding information about appropriate assistive technologies is not easy. This project demonstrates that, by working with people with dementia, information can be provided in a useful way.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2010

Hannah Jethwa and Geraldine Cassidy

Dementia is a condition that involves inevitably progressive deficits in numerous cognitive domains, including thought, language, memory, understanding and judgement. A difference…

391

Abstract

Dementia is a condition that involves inevitably progressive deficits in numerous cognitive domains, including thought, language, memory, understanding and judgement. A difference in behaviour may be noted, as well as overall loss of skills. Dementia is more than four times as prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities as in the general population. Diagnosis of the condition in people with intellectual disabilities, however, is often difficult due to lack of baseline skill assessment, high staff turnover in supported accommodation and low expectations of capabilities. Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on anti‐dementia medication state that treatment should not be initiated until the condition has reached moderate severity. Determining whether symptoms are at this stage in people with intellectual disabilities is difficult because their skill level is already impaired. An accurate and extensive record of baseline skill levels in people with intellectual disabilities is therefore crucial, and regular comparison with baseline is key to early diagnosis of dementia.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2007

Celia Price

The aim of this evaluation was to carry out an evaluation of the Just Checking activity monitoring system, which supports people with dementia in their own homes. The study was…

Abstract

The aim of this evaluation was to carry out an evaluation of the Just Checking activity monitoring system, which supports people with dementia in their own homes. The study was carried out with Warwickshire County Council's social services, and a number of their service users. The system was installed in the homes of six people with dementia, and used by their family carers and care professionals, whose experiences were gathered in semi‐structured interviews. In total 15 people took part in interviews, including two of the people with dementia.The system gave family carers and professionals a better insight into the activities of the person with dementia, and how they were managing in their own homes. The majority of users were surprised at the consistency of the daily pattern of activity of the person with dementia and, as a result, their view of the capabilities of the person changed. The data from the system reassured family carers and proved a useful assessment tool for professionals on which to plan care.Contrary to expectations, the monitoring system gave people with dementia more control of their lives by providing a means by which they could communicate their capabilities in their home environment.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

Jill Manthorpe and Helen Alaszewski

This article reports on the findings of a small research study exploring provision at local level for people with dementia. The study involved a survey of practitioners and…

Abstract

This article reports on the findings of a small research study exploring provision at local level for people with dementia. The study involved a survey of practitioners and managers, and the difficulties of this approach are illustrated and explored. Responses contained a range of relevant opinions about service delivery, particularly perceived levels of quality and adequacy. Those providing care pointed to the unfulfilled potential of services for people with dementia, and their views provide a perspective on the workings of local services and their inter‐relationships. The views of staff may be helpful to the development of planning and quality mechanisms. While they cannot substitute for those of users and carers, they are views emanating from experience and concern.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

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