Dementia care planning: shared experience and collaboration

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2009 Nov;52(8):837-48. doi: 10.1080/01634370903088051.

Abstract

The perceived care challenges faced by family caregivers and healthcare providers in providing dementia care and the supports they need to address these challenges are the two key areas of exploration in this descriptive study. The perceptions were explored through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The results from this study identified that families and healthcare providers can be partners in planning dementia care provided that they communicate effectively about their experiences and approaches to care in a climate that encourages participation and cooperation. Implications for practice and a proposed model to address dementia care challenges are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Communication
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Geriatrics / organization & administration
  • Health Personnel / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning / organization & administration*
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Quality of Health Care / organization & administration
  • Social Support
  • Social Work / organization & administration