Psychological support for people with dementia : a preliminary study

Birtwell, K; Dubrow-Marshall, LJ

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: Evidence suggests nonpharmacological therapies could improve quality of life in people with Alzheimer’s disease (Olazaran et al.,2010). This study aimed to explore attitudes to, and acceptability of,psychological support for people with mild dementia, from their perspective.
Design/Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted
with five people identified from secondary care services. Questions
concerned the experience of being diagnosed, experience of support services and their opinion of alternative support options. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results/Findings: Three main themes were identified: loss, coping mechanisms and support. Loss of physical abilities was associated with loss of identity and place in the community. Coping mechanisms included asserting control, and growth and development, including engaging in new activities or using humour. Individual needs and preferences were key to effective support. Social aspects of support and opportunities to talk about
their feelings were valued by participants. Counselling, mindfulness and group-based activities, including walking and gardening, were viewed positively. Support from admiral nurses or specialist nurses tended to be viewed in terms of physical health needs, and most needed in later stages of dementia.
Research Limitations: Limitations include the small sample
size, potential inaccuracies acknowledged by participants regarding
recollections of events and researcher bias in hoping that psychological support would be well received. Conclusions/Implications: Talking therapies and psychosocial interventions are acceptable sources of
support. Person-centred support which considers personal preferences and abilities can support people to live well with dementia.

Citation

Birtwell, K., & Dubrow-Marshall, L. (2018). Psychological support for people with dementia : a preliminary study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 18(1), 79-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12154

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 16, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Nov 23, 2017
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Feb 16, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2018
• Journal: Counselling and Psychotherapy Research
• Print ISSN: 1473-3145
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 79-88
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12154
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/capr.12154
• Related Public URLs: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1746-1405
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is the peer reviewed version of the article, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/capr.12154. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.