Understanding and Overcoming Negative Attitudes That Hinder Adoption of Reablement in Dementia Care: An Explorative Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Purpose: Dementia refers to a group of neuro-cognitive disorders that affect people worldwide. Reablement may facilitate people to maintain or regain abilities, encourage engagement in activities important to them, promote continued societal participation, and foster a meaningful life experience. However, the adoption of reablement in dementia care has been slow. This study aimed to explore the negative attitudes that hinder the adoption of reablement and to identify strategies to mitigate these factors.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews was adopted. Interviews were conducted with reablement and/or dementia experts in five countries, namely Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results: This study explored the views of 10 experts and identified negative attitudes that impede the adoption of reablement. These attitudes were grouped into five themes: 1) lack of understanding of the preserved capabilities in people with dementia, 2) reluctance and fear among family caregivers about disrupting established routines, 3) institutional barriers, 4) misinterpretation of what reablement is, and 5) complexity of the healthcare system. The proposed strategies to address these negative attitudes include enhancing dementia awareness, educating family caregivers, understanding caregiver burden, taking care of community education and destigmatization, improving clinical leadership, raising awareness about reablement evidence and practice, integrating reablement in educational curriculum, developing comprehensive policies, and improving access to services.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of addressing and mitigating negative attitudes which obstruct adoption of reablement. By identifying these attitudes and exploring their origin, strategies can be formulated to overcome them. Successful adoption of these strategies is anticipated to enhance the quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers.