Exploring the use of non-pharmacological interventions in dementia

Section A
Dementia prevalence rates are rising and caring for people as the disease progresses can be challenging. The needs of people with dementia (PWD) are multifaceted, it is imperative to meet these needs to ensure high quality care provision and subsequently, quality of life. Touch is a fundamental need of people with dementia and yet older adults can be the most deprived of touch. This review explores the literature on carers (familial and professional) of people with dementia and their experiences of using touch in their caring role. A thematic synthesis revealed carers experiences of touch included: ‘Person-centred touch’, ‘Bringing the person into focus', 'A sense of touch’, ‘Restoration & reconnection’, ‘Part of my repertoire’ and ‘the practicalities of touch’. The results are discussed considering existing literature on touch and PWD, and recommendations for practice are included.

Section B
Behaviours that challenge (BtC) are common in people with dementia and national guidelines recommend using non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) as a first-line treatment for BtC. One training package that provides a framework for staff delivering NPIs is ‘Communication and Interaction Training’ (CAIT). The following study aimed to explore staff’s perceptions on the impact of CAIT on their management of people with dementias’ behaviours and emotions. The study also sought to further understand how CAIT works and the conditions which help implement CAIT. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data from staff who had recently received CAIT and plan and/or deliver NPIs for people with dementia. This resulted in six main themes: ‘Delivering dementia literacy’, ‘Transforming interactions’, ‘Accessible and flexible’, ‘Obstacles in training’, ‘Perceiving my role differently’ and ‘Ensuring the right environment’. Implications of the research on the CAIT programme are discussed as well as suggestions for future research.