Community expectations of a village for people living with dementia

Abstract

Small‐scale models of dementia care are a progressive approach to improve care for people living with dementia. These models intend to provide a home‐like environment with a small number of residents in each living unit, easy access to services and facilities, a dedicated team of staff and flexible routines. This study was undertaken during the construction phase of a new village and provided a unique opportunity to explore expectations of the village among the local community. Twelve community members participated in two sequential online focus groups over a 2‐month period. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Knowledge of the village varied and was informed by familiarity with other village developments and local marketing about the new village. The findings indicate that the community expect the village to provide residents with optimum dementia care, a safe and enabling physical environment and a vibrant daily life where they are engaged in ‘normal’ activities. While participants expected the village to be self‐contained, they also anticipated strong connections with the wider community. Participants acknowledged that the community need dementia education to ensure these interactions are positive. Community expectations of a new village development for people living with dementia are largely positive and often idealistic. Organisations need to consider these expectations when developing new small‐scale facilities and be mindful of how they market these developments to foster realistic expectations. While community enthusiasm about dementia care is encouraging, education is needed to ensure the success of the model.

‘It's like home’ – A small‐scale dementia care home and the use of technology: A qualitative study

“…Community expectations of small‐scale aged care in Australia are focused on the social model of care and ensuring residents are treated with dignity and respect (Baines & Armstrong, 2018; Tierney et al, 2022). Responses from family and guests demonstrated that the goal of providing guests with control and choice in their daily lives has been achieved throughout the first nine months since opening.…”

“…Kambera House guests benefit from engaging with the community outside of residential aged care through a range of activities(D'Cunha et al, 2020), which are publicly shared through social media. Consistent sharing of photos, videos and also enabling a guest to speak on the local radio, was enabled by the small-scale, intimate and high-staff ratio care environment, and such outreach is often not feasible in traditional aged care settings.Community expectations of small-scale aged care in Australia are focused on the social model of care and ensuring residents are treated with dignity and respect(Baines & Armstrong, 2018;Tierney et al, 2022). Responses from family and guests demonstrated that the goal of providing guests with control and choice in their daily lives has been achieved throughout the first nine months since opening.…”

Designing an Alternative, Community Integrated Model of Residential Aged Care for People Living with Dementia: Nominal Group Technique and Thematic Analysis

“…Types of smallscale environments vary, from clustered homes within larger organizations to stand-alone houses in the community. Currently, small-scale care models in Australia focus on social engagement, relationshipbuilding, and person-centered care, concepts that aim to maintain the dignity and respect of residents [5,7,8]. Small-scale dementia care can contribute to physical, cognitive, psychological, and social wellbeing and are often described as 'enabling' [4,9].…”

“…'Enabling' care environments aim to minimize disability, be flexible in care, and support the individual to engage in meaningful activities. There may also be reduced use of psychotropic medications [4,7,10].…”

“…The underlying principle is to enable people living with dementia to maximize their ability to live an autonomous lifestyle that supports their strengths, unique needs and preferences, and provides support from their family, friends, the care team and the wider community [7,10]. The home and village environment are designed to be familiar to residents, supporting them to function optimally and maintain their capabilities.…”