Dementia (London, England)
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Physiotherapy is a core component of rehabilitation following a hip fracture. Approximately 40% of people sustaining a hip fracture will have dementia, but there is little evidence to guide physiotherapy interventions in this population. ⋯ There was suggestion of therapeutic nihilism when considering rehabilitation for this population, whereby it is assumed that people with dementia cannot be rehabilitated, so they are not given the opportunity. It is unsurprising that outcomes for this population are poor considering the reluctance to provide physiotherapy to people with dementia following hip fracture.
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The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of care support workers and family members of the impact of a new care approach in a specialised unit as it shifted from a clinical to an inclusive model, focused on creating an ordinary life for people with dementia and their families. The research was a partnership between the unit staff and university researchers. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected in focus groups with 11 family members and nine staff members. ⋯ Participants identified positive ways of working that benefited staff and families and they reported increased well-being for the people with dementia on the unit. Developing well-articulated and systematically implemented local models of care provides opportunities for family and staff creativity and engagement, enhancing care for people with dementia. Strong and effective leadership is required to enable these approaches to become a reality.
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The quality of care of persons with dementia in hospitals is not optimal and can be challenging. Moreover, staff may find difficulty in translating what they have learned during training into practice. ⋯ Using appreciative inquiry approach, staff attitudes towards persons with dementia improved, inter-professional collaboration was enhanced and small changes in staff practices were noted. Dementia care in hospitals can be enhanced by empowering staff to take small but concrete actions after they engage in appreciative inquiry workshops, during which they are listened to and appreciated for what they can contribute.