Can Caregiver Singing Improve Person Transfer Situations in Dementia Care?

1. Eva Götell, RNT, PhD1⇓

1. Charlotta Thunborg, PT, MPT1,2
2. Anne Söderlund, PT, PhD1
3. Petra Heideken Wågert, PT, PhD1

1. 1Mälardalen University, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Västerås, Sweden
2. 2Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

1. Eva Götell, Mälardalen University, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, PO Box 883, SE-721 23 Västerås, Sweden Email: eva.gotell@mdh.se

Abstract

Everyday person transfer situations involving persons with dementia and their caregivers can be reciprocally problematic. Group interviews with professional caregivers were conducted, focusing on the caregivers’ experiences of singing during person transfer situations with residents with dementia, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. The caregivers expressed that compared to everyday transfer situations without singing, there were obvious differences during singing. When the caregiver sang, communication was mutually enhanced between the caregivers and the residents. Caregivers reported that residents seemed to show their true personalities, were able to move more fluidly and easily, seemed to better understand what was going on, and reacted with a spirited cheerfulness. The caregivers experienced themselves as more competent in and motivated to provide care in addition to positive emotions and moods. Caregiver singing during transfer situations may be one of several suitable nonpharmacological interventions that can be utilized when caregivers need to assist persons with dementia in transfer.

http://mmd.sagepub.com/content/4/4/237.full