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Aims: Montessori-Based Programming (MBP) in dementia care refers to a growing body of research and practice that has developed Montessori methods to facilitate self-paced learning, independence and engagement for people living with dementia. A number of research gaps have been identified in the existing literature such as a lack of cross-cultural studies and well-powered, robustly designed outcome studies. The current study investigated the use of MBP with a focus on provision in the United Kingdom. It aimed to identify MBP implementation approaches, challenges and barriers, and research gaps. Design and Methods: A qualitative design was implemented to analyse data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (N = 8) with experience of MBP in the UK. Participants included care home management and staff, MBP trainers and independent dementia experts with a background in Montessori methods. Thematic analysis identified 4 main themes and 12 sub-themes. The study took place between April 2019 and October 2019. Findings: A framework describing knowledge and understanding of MBP in the UK, implementation considerations, challenges and barriers, evidence of outcomes and research gaps was developed to provide guidance for researchers and practitioners. Implementation considerations included using a whole-home approach and changing the culture of care through management support. Barriers to implementation included conservative attitudes to care, perceived lack of time and resources, health and safety issues, and issues of sustainability. Conclusion: The benefits of MBP in dementia care are promising but require further empirical investigation. There is a need to design, execute and publish evidence to secure the support of key stakeholders in dementia care research, policy and commissioning in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explored a multisensory (including olfactory) intervention for people with dementia. Six themed boxes (e.g. Childhood) containing items chosen from the Boots archive designed to encourage conversation were used in weekly group sessions. Session participants were people with dementia and care staff from a local care home, a trained facilitator and archivists from Boots UK. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences of the sessions. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The three major themes Engagement (subthemes: Inclusiveness; Emotional involvement; Factors that supported engagement), What's in the box (subthemes: Contents stimulate memories; Mystery, variety and age of items; Value of olfactory stimuli), and A conversation starter (subtheme: Opportunity for self-expression) reveal the success of the intervention and the value of olfactory stimuli. Multisensory boxes including olfactory stimulation can be an engaging intervention with scope to refine it for people with dementia and their carers in the wider community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues that provide artistic opportunities for those experiencing mental illness, and for outreach to communities who are less likely to engage with the arts. Method: This study evaluated the impact of two lightbox exhibitions in urban public spaces in London, England, using interlinked crosssectional surveys. Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis used to analyse textual data. Results: The findings indicated that the artwork challenged negative attitudes towards mental illness, created empathy with artists and provided a forum for reflection about mental health. Conclusions: This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity and helps build resilience and civic pride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Study: Dementia refers to a variety of diseases that are characterized by cognitive difficulties and an overall decline in daily living skills. Psychologically informed arts and health programs may be particularly beneficial ways of improving the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers. This study sought to better understand how programs at contemporary and traditional art galleries might play a role in the lives of people with dementia. Design and Methods: Participants included 12 people with mild-to-moderate dementia, their 12 caregivers and 4 gallery facilitators. Those with dementia and their caregivers were engaged in art viewing followed by art making over an 8-week period. Data, collected through postintervention interviews with participants, field notes and extensive written communication between the facilitators and research team, were analyzed using grounded theory methodology to theorize how gallery-based interventions affect people with dementia and those who care for them. Results: The emerging theory has four primary components: the art gallery is seen as being a physically valued place that provides intellectual stimulation and offers opportunities for social inclusion that can change how dementia is perceived. These components coalesced to create positive emotional and relational effects for those with dementia and caregivers. Implications: The resulting theory has potential implications for the use of gallery-based programs in dementia care within public health, healthcare, and museum/art gallery policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The concept of patient-centredness is increasingly being incorporated into modern healthcare practice, yet little attention has been given to the development of patient-centred principles in research.Aims: This study aimed to establish convergent validity for a definition of patient-centredness using abstracts from schizophrenia research and to explore the experiences of psychiatrists and service users taking part in research that was designed to be patient-centred.Methods: Mixed methods were used in this community study.Results: Thirteen service users and three psychiatrists took part. Service users rated eight of 60 research abstracts as patient-centred, even though 30 of these had been previously rated as such by psychiatrists. There was some accord between psychiatrist and service user ratings as seven out of eight abstracts were identified by both groups as patient-centred. Process aspects of research were valued by service users, for example, being respected as collaborators. Both groups reported benefits to participation in patient-centred research, such as feeling valued and breaking down barriers between doctor and patient.Conclusions: While there is some agreement between professionals and service users as to what constitutes patient-centred research, other process-related factors are important. Patient-centred research is valued by both service users and doctors and should be incorporated into future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Previous research has identified that most families who become homeless are women with dependent children. Homeless families are reported to have a variety of complex needs; however, little is known about the experiences of families once they are re-housed. The aim of this study is to explore psychosocial issues related to the resettlement experiences of single mothers following a period of homelessness. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 21 women living in a UK Midlands city. Thematic analysis was used to draw conclusions from the data. Findings indicated that, despite exposure to major stressors, most women had begun the process of resettlement by improving their physical surroundings. Women had achieved personal growth as they had managed to escape violence, overcome homelessness and create new opportunities for themselves and their children. Suggestions are made for future research and improvements to services which would promote resettlement in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]