Search

Aims and Objectives: This paper presents a theory explaining the processes used by informal carers of people with dementia to mange alterations to their, and people with dementias' relationships with and places within their social worlds., Background: Informal carers provide the majority of care to people with dementia. A great deal of international informal dementia care research is available, much of which elucidates the content, impacts and consequences of the informal caring role and the coping mechanisms that carers use. However, the socially situated experiences and processes integral to informal caring in dementia have not yet been robustly accounted for., Design: A classic grounded theory approach was used as it is designed for research enquiries that aim to generate theory illustrating social patterns of action used to address an identified problem., Methods: Thirty interviews were conducted with 31 participants between 2006-2008. The theory was conceptualised from the data using the concurrent methods of theoretical sampling, constant comparative analysis, memo writing and theoretical sensitivity., Results: Informal carers' main concern was identified as 'Living on the fringes', which was stimulated by dementia-related stigma and living a different life. The theory of 'Sustaining Place' explains the social pattern of actions employed by informal carers to manage this problem on behalf of themselves and the person with dementia., Conclusions: The theory of 'Sustaining Place' identifies an imperative for nurses, other formal carers and society to engage in actions to support and enable social connectedness, social inclusion and citizenship for informal carers and people with dementia., Relevance to Clinical Practice: 'Sustaining Place' facilitates enhanced understanding of the complex and socially situated nature of informal dementia care through its portrayal of informal carers as social agents and can be used to guide nurses to better support those who live with dementia., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Objectives: People with intellectual disability, particularly people with Down syndrome, are at an increased risk for early-onset dementia, in comparison to people without an intellectual disability. The aim of this review was to scope the current landscape of post-diagnostic dementia supports for people with intellectual disability. Method: A systematic search of five electronic databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsycArticles, PsycInfo and Web of Science) was conducted for this scoping review. Results were screened independently by two reviewers, with a third reviewer for arbitration where necessary. Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, and relevant information was extracted. The articles included focussed on the experiences of people with intellectual disability and dementia, as well as the role of carers, family members and staff. Key themes included ageing in place, environmental supports for people with intellectual disability and dementia, dementia-specific interventions and therapies, as well as the feasibility of these interventions. Besides the studies that focussed on these themes, other studies focussed on staff training and family supports. Conclusion: This review highlights the importance of implementing timely and appropriate post-diagnostic supports for people living with intellectual disability and dementia. More controlled trials are required on post-diagnostic dementia supports for people with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience refers to an individual's ability to adapt and bounce back following adversity. As a concept it may help to explain how some people cope with stressors using internal and social support, leading to personal growth. The concept of resilience is frequently mentioned in the literature but often poorly understood. Older people are vulnerable to multiple adversities such as loss and chronic illness and therefore it is important to introduce strategies that promote resilience. The aim of this article is to explore the concept of resilience in older people by using the social ecological model to examine factors that influence resilience within this context. It further discusses the role of the nurse and uses a case study to highlight how nurses can facilitate the use of individual, contextual and sociocultural resources to foster resilience with older people in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-management is a key skill that older adults with multiple comorbidities require. Self-management interventions include medication management, self-monitoring and self-awareness and self-management often requires the older adult to manage the emotional consequences of having multiple comorbidities. The benefits of self-management for older adults include reduced reliance on the health system, enhanced quality of life, empowerment of the individual and reduction in the burden associated with chronic illness. Many factors can influence an older adult's ability to self-manage, including health literacy, mental health difficulties and socio-economic factors. Self-management support is the provision of structures, services and programmes to support and enhance the skills of older adults in managing their own conditions. Nurses are in a pivotal position across the continuum of care, using both person-centred care and the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach, to support older adults to self-manage their conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the experiences of intimate partners of people with an eating disorder. Design: Qualitative grounded theory study. Methods: In‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 partners of people with an eating disorder from 2013–2016. Data were analysed using the principles of classic grounded theory including, concurrent data collection and analysis, theoretical sampling, constant comparative analysis and memo writing. Results: Partners encounter disruptions to their lives when their significant other experiences an eating disorder. As a result, partners engage in a four‐stage cyclical process involving: encountering a disruption; becoming an informed self; countering the disruption and reclaimed livability. By engaging in this process partners learn to support their significant other, remain committed to the relationship and recover their own lives. The process is drawn together and defined as the theory of 'Reconstructing Livability'. Conclusion: The theory of 'Reconstructing Livability' provides a unique conceptualization of the experiences of partners who are living with a person with an eating disorder. It highlights the challenges faced by partners when supporting the recovery of their significant other and the intimate relationship, while reclaiming their own lives. Impact: This study addresses the dearth of knowledge and understanding of partners' experiences. Partners engage in a process to enable them support recovery of their significant other and their own lives, but this is hindered by the challenges and unmet needs they experience. The theory provides a basis on which nurses can provide effective and timely supports to partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirituality is a complex and subjective concept. However, spiritual wellness is an important component in a person’s overall well-being and the spiritual support o f patients is central to nursing care. People with dementia may not be well-supported in this aspect o f care; this may lead to spiritual distress. Spiritual needs may be identified by taking the person’s spiritual history or, in the case of advanced dementia, by asking a person’s significant others about the important spiritual aspects o f the person’s life. Spiritual care for people with dementia involves reflective practice and meaningful engagement with the person with dementia, so as to facilitate shared understanding. Furthermore, the support of the spiritual and religious beliefs o f the person need to be facilitated within an individualised or person-centred approach to care and delivered within a multi-disciplinary collaborative context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]