Informal caregivers’ perspectives on the role of the environment on older persons living with dementia within a long-term care facility in Malta

Abstract

Older persons living with dementia have lower thresholds for stress tolerance with regards to environmental stimuli which in turn results in dysfunctional behaviours and difficulty with performing activities of daily living. It is well recognised that the environment has an important role in the care of older persons living with dementia and that environmental modifications within long-term care facilities could better meet their needs. The purpose of this study was to get an in-depth understanding of informal caregivers’ perspectives on the influence of the physical and social aspects of the environment on older persons living with dementia within a long-term care facility in Malta. This study adopted a qualitative approach based on Interpretive Description. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six informal caregivers of older persons living with dementia within a long-term care facility. The researcher drew on Interpretive Description methodology and reflexive Thematic Analysis to analyse the data and generate findings. Three themes were generated: (a) social engagement, (b) supportive healthcare practices in relation to the social environment, and (c) building design in relation to the physical environment. The participants considered the social environment to be more important than the physical environment in promoting the well-being of older persons living with dementia. The two are inter-related and should complement each other to provide quality care for older persons living with dementia within long-term care facilities.