'Here comes the sun': Enriching lives and reducing agitation for residents with dementia in long-term care homes
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the consequences of offering socially derived
programs geared to reduce agitation in residents of a secure dementia unit in a LTC
home. Data were collected through the generation of field notes based on observations of
unit activities and through semi-structured interviews conducted with five staff members
of a LTC home in Ontario. Discussion focuses on findings from both observations and
qualitative interviews. Situating the discussion within the context of a social
constructivist framework, this study offers an understanding of the effects of providing
meaningful activities to persons with dementia in the LTC context as a means to reduce
agitation and improve quality-of-life. My thesis provides insights into the effectiveness
of social programs to reduce agitation in persons with dementia in the LTC context and
has implications for future care in a LTC setting.