Kavitha Ramalingam talks about her research into reminiscence education for nurses caring for elderly persons. This was presented at the St Mary's Campus Nursing Showcase in 2016.

1. IMPLEMENTING PERSON CENTRED REMINISCENCE
EDUCATION FOR NURSES CARING FOR ELDERLY PERSONS
WITH DEMENTIA IN A LONG TERM CARE SETTING: AN
ACTION RESEARCH STUDY’
STUDENT: KAVITHA RAMALINGAM
SUPERVISOR: DR. AMANDA PHELAN

2. DEMENTIA
The increased prevalence of dementia is one of the biggest issues
healthcare professionals face in long term care settings.
34% of total people in Ireland with dementia (14, 266) in long term
care (Connolly et al., 2012), Estimated to rise to a total of (45,000-
50,000) in Long term care by 2046 (Cahill et al., 2012).
Ageing population and increased life expectancy=increased numbers
of people with dementia.
.

3. NEED FOR THIS STUDY
Creating a supportive social environment promotes a sense of well-
being among residents with dementia.
Integrating psychosocial approaches with nursing care is key to the
person centred approach.
Staff nurses are required to develop the necessary skills for delivering
a psychosocial approach to care. Consequently, education in using
such an approach is essential.

4. AIMS
This action research project aim is to improve nurses’ knowledge of
various methods of reminiscence for older people with dementia and
develop competence in providing person-centred care.
As person centeredness is a priority of care in St Mary’s Campus, there
is a need for this particular project to be implemented to improve
service delivery.

5. PERSON CENTEREDNESS
‘… an approach to practice established through the formation and
fostering of healthful relationships between all care providers, service
users and others significant to them in their lives. It is underpinned by
values of respect for persons, individual right to self-determination, mutual
respect and understanding. It is enabled by cultures of empowerment that
foster continuous approaches to practice development.’ (McCormack et
al., 2013, p 193).

6. ACTION RESEARCH
Action research emphasises research in action, rather than research on
action.
This approach helps professional to share their power to deliver support
together in order to improve quality of life of residents.
(Coghlan and Brannick, 2014)

7. DATA COLLECTION
Four stages of appreciative inquiry meetings conducted ; focus on what
already works in a system, rather than a focus on what is deficient.
(Cooperrider and Whitney, 2005)

8. REMINISCENCE
The act or process of recollecting and recalling past life experiences
or event with or without using prompts.
There are number of therapeutic activities employed in dementia.
Yet, reminiscence has been a standard approach.
(Wang, 2007; McCarthy, 2011)

9. OUTCOMES
• The findings that emerged from the 4 appreciative inquiry meetings;
Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny.
• PCR can provide an opportunity for people to-
• Experience comfort and enjoyment
• Look back on their life experiences, rethink all they have done in their
lives help to maintaining self-esteem and identity
• Nurturing relationships, increasing sociability and communication skills
• Enriching the lives of people who are experiencing the impact of
dementia
• Helping to reduce frustration, agitation and aggressive behaviour.

10. STORY

11. CONCLUSION
• During this project the positive experiences, future visions and different
ways of applying reminiscences have been reviewed and understanding
about person centred reminiscence has increased.
• Organisational change is a long process we need continuous support,
education and training, and staff motivation for the better outcome and
long lifespan of any intervention.

12. THANK YOU ALL
KAVITHA RAMALINGAM