The Impact of a Life Story Work Intervention with Nursing Home Residents with Dementia on the Care Practice of Professionals: a Multiple Case Study

Abstract

This study investigates whether and how a Life-story Work (LSW) presentation of people with dementia can affect the care practice of professionals working in a nursing home by integrating the knowledge acquired in their care practice and by turning the latter more Person-centred. A multiple-case study design was implemented. Residents participated in an 8-session LSW intervention. Non-participant observations of their morning routine and semi-structured interviews with the care staff were employed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results identified two themes, “Person-centred Care Practices” and “Non-person-centred Care Practices”, and changes were indicated regarding the professionals’ knowledge and perception of the residents. Possible explanations for the similarities and differences within and between Case studies are discussed. The need for further research on how changes in professionals’ attitudes can impact residents’ behaviour is emphasized.