Meningsfulle aktiviteter for personer med demens på sykehjem Sykepleieres og helsefagarbeideres beskrivelser

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide insight into registered nurses and licensed practical nurses descriptions of the activities that could be considered meaningful for residents with dementia living in nursing homes, and why. This study is also supposed to give insight into how they facilitate and carry out these activities, as well as their experience of how both the organization of the nursing home as well as the environment allows such activities. The method is qualitative, and data collection was carried out using three focus group interviews in one nursing home. The results show that the activities should contribute to the maintenance of functional level, a sense of usefulness, creating calm, joy, safety and coping to be described to as meaningful for people with dementia. To achieve this, the activities should be recognizable for the person with dementia, social and based on the individual's previous and current interests and preferences. Mapping of interests, preferences and needs in collaboration with the resident and family is important, and should be performed regularly. Time pressure may cause lack of individual meaningful activities. Access to volunteers and interns, as well as cooperation with and inclusion of relatives can be a counterweight to this.