Defining empowerment for older people living with dementia from multiple perspectives: a qualitative study

Charlotte T.M. van Corven*, Annemiek Bielderman, Mandy Wijnen, R. Leontjevas, Peter Lucassen, Maud Graff, Debby L. Gerritsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

10 Citations (Web of Science)

Abstract

Background and objectives: The concept of empowerment seems
promising for people living with dementia to live their life as they want to for as long as possible. Therefore, this study aimed to explore what the concept of empowerment means and includes for people living with dementia from the perspectives of people living with dementia themselves, their informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Research design and methods: Qualitative research using focus group discussions and individual interviews with people living with dementia (n=15), informal caregivers (n=16) and healthcare professionals (n=46) to explore perspectives on empowerment. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim, and separately analyzed by two researchers using inductive
thematic analysis.

Results: Four themes were identified as important aspects of empowerment: (1) having a sense of personal identity, (2) having a sense of choice and control, (3) having a sense of usefulness and being needed, and (4) retaining a sense of worth. Based on these themes, a conceptual framework of empowerment for older people living with dementia was developed. Empowerment takes place within the person living with dementia, but is achieved through interaction with their environment. The four themes seem to be important both at home and in nursing homes, and in different stages of dementia. However, practical detailing of support differed.

Discussion and implications: Our empowerment framework may provide a basis for developing interventions to empower people living with dementia and to strengthen (in)formal caregivers in this empowerment process. Support for people living with dementia must be adjusted to their personal situation and individual capabilities.
Original languageEnglish
Article number103823
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies
Volume114
Early online date10 Nov 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • CAREGIVERS
  • DIGNITY
  • EXPERIENCES
  • Healthcare professionals
  • IDENTITY
  • INDIVIDUALS
  • Informal caregivers
  • Psychosocial intervention
  • Qualitative study
  • RESIDENTIAL CARE
  • SELF
  • Well-being

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Defining empowerment for older people living with dementia from multiple perspectives: a qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this