“Bringing them back”: Perspectives of staff and volunteers on dementia care using SAIDO learning©

Abstract

As the number of people with dementia increase, an additional 1.2 million direct care workers will be required for their care by 2030. As innovative approaches to dementia care continue to emerge, it remains essential that caregivers’ thoughts and perspectives are considered. Participants in our study shared their observations of positive changes among residents living with dementia after implementation of SAIDO Learning©. This is the first study to explore staff/volunteer insight on this non-pharmacological, cognitive intervention. A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted to explore staff and volunteer thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as providers of a non-pharmacologic intervention (SAIDO Learning©) for persons living with dementia. Three themes emerged: Changes in residents, culture within the retirement community, and building relationships with residents. Globally, as the population ages, this research is critical within the field of nursing as it will expand our knowledge and delivery of nursing care for clients living with dementia.