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Background: Intergenerational programmes are formal activities bringing different generations together and have been identified as a way to help people living with dementia to stay socially connected. While there is some evidence from individual studies as to their benefits, there is no overall coherent account as to the perceptions and experiences of participants who engage in such programmes. This review synthesises qualitative evidence of the experiences and perceptions of young people and older people living with dementia of participating in such programmes. Methods: We searched EBSCO CINAHL, OVID Medline, Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, the Web of Science, Epistemonikos and grey literature sources. We used thematic synthesis to analyse and synthesise the evidence in to four themes, with 11 key findings. We assessed our confidence in each of these findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach. Findings: Our review highlights the potential enjoyment for young people and older people living with dementia when participating in Intergenerational programmes, despite some initial trepidation. These programmes provide an opportunity to establish and develop relationships and for young people to learn about dementia, ageing and how to interact with older people living with dementia. However, it is important to have staff facilitators present to provide reassurance to both groups. It is also important to take the personal preferences of participants into account and to be considerate of noise levels and other aspects of programme delivery that may inhibit engagement. Conclusion: This is the first qualitative evidence synthesis specifically exploring Intergenerational programmes aimed at older people living with dementia. We provide insights into the perspectives of those who have participated in Intergenerational programmes. It is important to consider these views, together with other evidence of effectiveness, when planning Intergenerational programmes. While our review is limited by a small number of studies from only a few countries, we have moderate to high confidence in our findings. Further research into the development of Intergenerational programmes specifically tailored for people living with dementia is needed. The findings also provide guidance for people planning to deliver or design future Intergenerational programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personhood has been a key influence on the development of person-centred care models in dementia. However, there is ambiguity around the concept and interpretation of personhood, and what it means in practical terms for the delivery of care to people with dementia. This study examines the conceptualisation of personhood within the formal care system for people with dementia in Ireland. A multiple perspective study design examines the experiences of personhood in dementia from the perspectives of people with dementia, family carers and a range of formal carers. Semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted in both community and long-term care settings. Interpretative phenomenological analysis is used to examine the data. A total of 31 participants were interviewed: eight people with dementia, eight family carers and 15 formal carers. There is general consensus on the core elements of personhood among all participants: interests and preferences; lifecourse experiences; social interaction; family; and place. However, there is ambiguity among family carers and formal carers in the interpretation of changes to personhood as the disease progresses. Interpersonal and structural barriers to supporting personhood are identified by all participants. The findings provide guidance on the traits of personhood-enhancing care, including effective communication skills, and the potential of health and social care reform to support the core elements of personhood among people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Personhood is considered the cornerstone of person-centered care for people with dementia. However, there is little research on personhood in dementia care from the perspective of the person with dementia themselves. This article presents a qualitative evidence synthesis of the experiences and perceptions of people with dementia on personhood in dementia care. Research Design and Methods A systematic search of nine databases was conducted. In addition to initial screening, CART analysis was used to determine the most relevant papers. Thematic synthesis was conducted on 20 papers. The CASP tool was used to examine the quality of the included papers. GRADE CERQual analysis examined confidence in the review findings. Results People with dementia experience many changes due to the disease and the experience of being cared for in different settings. Personhood is affirmed through personal interactions with family, friends, other care recipients, and formal caregivers, as well as through continued engagement in social and occupational roles. Discussion and Implications The review has important implications for practice, regulation, and policy. The person and their personhood should be protected rather than undermined, and relationships should be enhanced not diminished by the formal care process. The focus should be on creating and amplifying opportunities for people with dementia to affirm the self through interactions with others and engaging in occupational and social roles to ensure continuity of self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personhood and its realisation in person-centred care is part of the narrative, if not always the reality, of care for people with dementia. This paper examines how personhood is conceptualised and actualised in Ireland through a content analysis of organisational and individual submissions from stakeholders in the development of the Irish National Dementia Strategy, followed by an examination of the Strategy itself. The organisational submissions are further categorised into dementia care models. A structural analysis of the Strategy examines its principles, actions and outcomes in relation to personhood. Of the 72 organisational and individual submissions received in the formulation of the Strategy, 61% contained references to personhood and its synonyms. Of the 35 organisational submissions, 40% fit a biomedical model, 31% a social model and 29% a biopsychosocial model. The Strategy contains one direct reference to personhood and 33 to personhood synonyms. Half of these references were contained within its key principles and objectives; none were associated with priority actions or outcomes. While stakeholders value personhood and the Strategy identifies personhood as an overarching principle, clearer direction on how personhood and person-centred care can be supported in practice and through regulation is necessary in Ireland. The challenge, therefore, is to provide the information, knowledge, incentives and resources for personhood to take hold in dementia care in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Personhood in dementia is concerned with treating people living with dementia with dignity and respect, in a manner that supports their sense of self. It focuses on treating the person living with dementia as a person first and foremost. Supporting personhood in dementia is the key goal of person-centred care. Existing qualitative research examines what personhood means to the person living with dementia and explores what is important to their personhood and sense of self. However, to date little work has focused on synthesising these studies. Methods : This is a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of personhood in dementia. The review examines qualitative peer-reviewed research of the perspectives and experiences of personhood for people living with dementia. A systematic search will be carried out on eight electronic databases and supplemented by other purposeful literature search methods. Title and abstract screening, and full text screening will be carried out by two authors independently. Included studies will be critically appraised. Thematic synthesis will be conducted on all of the included studies. Confidence in the review findings will be assessed using GRADE CERQual. Discussion: The findings from this synthesis will be useful to health care providers and policy makers seeking to understand what personhood means for people living with dementia. The findings will also inform optimal service provision, as well as outcome measures in dementia. PROSPERO registration : CRD42017076114 (21/11/2017)., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2018 Hennelly N et al.)