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8 - Reablement and dementia
- Edited by Tine Rostgaard, Roskilde Universitet, Denmark and Stockholms Universitet, John Parsons, University of Auckland, Hanne Tuntland, Oslo Metropolitan University
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- Book:
- Reablement in Long-term Care for Older People
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 18 January 2024
- Print publication:
- 26 January 2023, pp 163-188
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
Dementia is the leading cause of dependency and disability among older individuals (World Health Organization, 2012). While the reablement approach is increasingly being integrated in aged care, this has not been taken up in dementia care to the same extent (or at least, the take-up has not been documented). Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to show the possibilities for providing reablement for individuals living with dementia. We will describe how individuals living with dementia can benefit from reablement and some of the possibilities and challenges in providing reablement to this user group.
This chapter begins with a short description of what dementia is and how the disease can impact on an individual's ability to participate in everyday living activities. We discuss how theoretical understandings of dementia developed in the late 20th century support a reablement approach to care for this population group. Dementia specific principles, techniques, and reablement intervention programs are presented to show that reablement in dementia care is possible and can be effective. Specifically, a literature search of published work regarding reablement intervention programs designed for individuals living with dementia was conducted, and readers are provided with examples of these intervention programs and descriptions of the impact these programs have had on individuals participating in them. Finally, the discussion is used to highlight some of the challenges in accessing reablement intervention programs for this population group.
Dementia interferes with an individual's ability to do everyday activities
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms associated with multiple diseases impacting the brain (World Health Organization, 2012). It causes deterioration in thinking skills, sometimes referred to as ‘cognitive abilities’, which impacts on an individual's ability to participate in everyday tasks and be functionally independent (World Health Organization, 2012). While dementia is not a normal part of ageing, it primarily presents in individuals aged over 65 (Livingston et al, 2017). The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (Burns and Iliffe, 2009). Other dementias include frontotemporal, Lewy body, vascular, and mixed dementia (Burns and Iliffe, 2009).
A second chance: Experiences and outcomes of people with dementia and their families participating in a dementia reablement program
- Miia Rahja, Jennifer Culph, Lindy Clemson, Sally Day, Kate Laver
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- Journal:
- Brain Impairment / Volume 21 / Issue 3 / December 2020
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 January 2020, pp. 274-285
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- Article
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Rationale:
Evidence-based reablement programs for people with dementia and their caregivers are not routinely implemented in practice. These programs have been shown to be effective in delaying functional decline and improving caregiver wellbeing. Yet, little is known about the experiences of those participating in such programs.
Aim:To describe experiences and outcomes of participating in a dementia reablement program, the Care of Persons with dementia in their Environments (COPE), in Australia.
Methods:Purposeful sampling was used and semi-structured interviews were completed with people with dementia and their caregivers who received the COPE program in two different states in Australia. The interviews explored the participants’ experiences with the program as well as how they are managing after program completion. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. A Likert scale was used to rate the value of the program.
Results:Ten dyads (person with dementia and/or their caregiver) were interviewed. Participation in the program was rated (mostly) very valuable. The ongoing collaboration between the therapist and caregiver was considered empowering. The program promoted participation in everyday activities for the person with dementia and appeared to give a ‘second chance’ to remain in their own homes and communities.
Conclusion:Participation in reablement programs (such as the COPE program) has the potential to re-engage people with dementia in meaningful roles and activities in their chosen environments. A therapeutic relationship and individualized intervention approaches tailored to the participants’ needs and readiness foster positive experiences and confidence.