Life story resources in dementia care: a review

Abstract

This paper provides new insights into the usefulness, future directions and content of life story resources in dementia care. It will be of interest to those in health and social care as well as people living with dementia.

Everyday conversation in dementia: a review of the literature to inform research and practice

“…However, in life story work currently popular in clinical practice, the use of certain tools to explore life stories may focus on such factual information (Kindell et al . ). Further research would, therefore, benefit from particular attention to the study of performed and embodied identity in conversation using video data (Hydén , Hydén and Örulv ) and how different life story formats potentially impact on interaction (Ekström et al .…”

“…For example, Hydén and Orulv (2009) argue that performance of the narrative in conversation is more important than remembering specific 'facts' about oneself, e.g., marriage, children etc. However, in life story work currently popular in clinical practice, the use of certain tools to explore life stories may focus on such factual information (Kindell et al 2014). Further research would, therefore, benefit from particular attention to the study of performed and embodied identity in conversation using video data (Hydén 2013, Hydén andÖrulv 2009 and how different life story formats potentially impact on interaction (Ekström et al 2015, Spilkin andBethlehem 2003).…”

Facing dementia as a we: Investigating couples’ challenges and communicative strategies for managing dementia

“…During posttreatment, the spouses with dementia also felt more confident of receiving support from others, and the coaching spouses indicated fewer symptoms of depression, so the training had beneficial effects for both partners (Schmitter-Edgecombe et al, 2008). A review by Kindell, Burrow, Wilkinson and Keady (2014) advocates communication through life-story work for staff and couples/families living with dementia, not necessarily to enhance remembering, but for emotional, interactional and practical care purposes, or to help couples through a difficult time. Kindell et al (2014) introduce the issue of bringing potentially upsetting memories to the surface, which they consider a problem more related to staff than spouses, who are more likely to be aware of these risks.…”

“…Kindell et al (2014) introduce the issue of bringing potentially upsetting memories to the surface, which they consider a problem more related to staff than spouses, who are more likely to be aware of these risks. They also problematise the challenges of eliciting specific memories, and indicate that naturalistic methods may be more beneficial (Kindell et al, 2014).…”

“…A review by Kindell, Burrow, Wilkinson and Keady (2014) advocates communication through life-story work for staff and couples/families living with dementia, not necessarily to enhance remembering, but for emotional, interactional and practical care purposes, or to help couples through a difficult time. Kindell et al (2014) introduce the issue of bringing potentially upsetting memories to the surface, which they consider a problem more related to staff than spouses, who are more likely to be aware of these risks. They also problematise the challenges of eliciting specific memories, and indicate that naturalistic methods may be more beneficial (Kindell et al, 2014).…”