The Experience of Living With Dementia in Residential Care: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Participants were able to describe aspects of their situation and their emotional response to it, grounded in a strong retained sense of self and identity. The participants' experience emphasizes the importance of improving the living situation of elders with dementia in residential care settings.

Enhancing Critical Reflection amongst Social Work Students: The Contribution of an Experiential Learning Group in Care Homes for Older People

“…The role of effective communication with residents with dementia, including appreciation of the person's individual biography, is emerging as a key issue not only in enhancing well being but also in reducing levels of challenging behaviour (Milne, 2010). Evidence suggests that the prominence given to communication and relationship building is strongly linked to the individual care home's 'culture' and model of management as well as to training, supervision and support of staff (Clare, Rowlands, Bruce, Surr, & Downs, 2008).…”

Supporting User Participation in Local Policy Development: The Fife Dementia Strategy

“…Clare and colleagues have explored the concepts of insight and awareness of people with dementia at the point of diagnosis through to residential care (Clare, 2002;Clare et al, 2005;Clare et al, 2008a). The views of people with dementia have been sought on the process of assessment and diagnosis (Keady and Gilliard, 2002;Langdon et al, 2007;Keady et al, 2009); their experiences living at home following diagnosis (Macquarrie, 2005;Steeman et al, 2007;Beard and Fox, 2008;Alzheimer's Society, 2009); their experiences at day care (Reid et al, 2001); and their experiences and views of residential care (Graneheim and Jansson, 2006;Ward et al 2008;Clare et al, 2008b). However, these voices are, obviously, drawn from people willing and able to take part in research; but it is often the case that people with dementia who present a challenge for us to hear are not included in research.…”

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to inform physiotherapy practice: An introduction with reference to the lived experience of cerebellar ataxia

“…Although IPA researchers continue to explore a diverse range of health conditions, there is some indication that research questions are becoming focused on more specific concerns within a particular health condition (Williamson, Simpson, and Murray, 2008). A growing body of IPA work has enabled the voices of often underresearched groups to be heard [e.g., children (Petalas et al, 2009); people with intellectual impairment (Clarkson, Murphy, Coldwell, and Dawson, 2009); those with dementia (Clare et al, 2008); and individuals with psychosis (Quin, Clare, Ryan, and Jackson, 2009)]. The majority of IPA work is somewhat disease or impairment focused (Reid, Flowers, and Larkin, 2005).…”