The use of non-pharmacological interventions for dementia behaviours in care homes: findings from four in-depth, ethnographic case studies

Backhouse, Tamara ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8194-4174, Killett, Anne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4080-8365, Penhale, Bridget ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8487-0606 and Gray, Richard (2016) The use of non-pharmacological interventions for dementia behaviours in care homes: findings from four in-depth, ethnographic case studies. Age and Ageing, 45 (6). pp. 856-863. ISSN 0002-0729

Preview

PDF (Accepted manuscript) - Accepted Version Download (411kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: antipsychotic medications have been used to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Due to the potential risks associated with these medications for people with dementia, non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) have been recommended as safer alternatives. However, it is unknown if, or how, these interventions are used in care homes to help people experiencing BPSD. Aim: to explore the use of NPIs in care homes to manage BPSD. Methods: In-depth, ethnographic case studies were conducted in four care homes; in total, they included interviews with 40 care-home staff and 384 hours of participant observations. Findings: NPIs, some of which are the focus of efficacy research, were used in care homes but predominantly as activities to improve the quality of life of all residents and not identified by staff as meeting individual needs in order to prevent or manage specific behaviours. Socially relevant activities such as offering a cup of tea were used to address behaviours in the moment. Residents with high levels of need experienced barriers to inclusion in the activities. Conclusions: there is a gap between rhetoric and practice with most NPIs in care homes used as social activities rather than as targeted interventions. If NPIs are to become viable alternatives to antipsychotic medications in care homes, further work is needed to embed them into usual care practices and routines. Training for care-home staff could also enable residents with high needs to gain better access to suitable activities.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	older people,bpsd,dementia,care home,non-pharmacological intervention,activities
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Participation (former - to 2013) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health in Later Life (former - to 2017) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Improving Access to Care (former - to 2017) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Dementia & Complexity in Later Life Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2016 00:08
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2023 01:44
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59848
DOI:	10.1093/ageing/afw136

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item