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. 2021 Dec;40(12):1751-1757.
doi: 10.1177/0733464821996866. Epub 2021 Mar 3.

Meaningful Engagement Among Assisted Living Residents With Dementia: Successful Approaches

Candace L Kemp  1 , Alexis A Bender  2 , Joy Ciofi  1 , Jennifer Craft Morgan  1 , Elisabeth O Burgess  1 , Stephen Duong  1 , Fayron R Epps  2 , Andrea Michelle Hill  1 , Pamela R Manley  1 , Jasmine Sease  1 , Molly M Perkins  2   3
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Meaningful Engagement Among Assisted Living Residents With Dementia: Successful Approaches

Candace L Kemp et al. J Appl Gerontol. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Meaningful engagement is an important dimension of quality of life and care for persons living with dementia, including the growing number who reside in assisted living communities. This report presents preliminary findings from an ongoing qualitative study aimed at identifying best care practices to create and maintain meaningful engagement among persons with dementia. Over a 1-year period, we conducted interviews, residents' record review, and participant observations in four diverse care communities. Our analysis identified four approaches that successfully promote meaningful engagement: (a) knowing the person, (b) connecting with and meeting people where they are, (c) being in the moment, and (d) viewing all encounters as opportunity. Incorporation of these approaches in care routines and adoption by all care partners can promote meaningful engagement, including during crises such as COVID-19.

Keywords: assisted living; dementia; person-centered care; quality of care; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: We have no conflict of interest to declare.

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