Enabling meaningful activities and quality of life in long-term care facilities: The stepwise development of a participatory client-centred approach in Flanders

Abstract

Introduction: Meaningful activities of daily living promote the quality of life of residents of long-term care facilities. This project aimed to develop an approach to enable meaningful activities of daily living and to guide long-term care facilities in a creative and innovative attitude towards residents' meaningful activities of daily living. Method: The approach was developed in six steps: (1) in-depth-interviews with 14 residents; (2) a survey with 171 residents; (3) a systematic map and synthesis review on interventions enriching meaningful activities of daily living; (4) qualitative analysis of 24 'good examples' and, to support future implementation, (5) focus groups with staff (n ¼ 69). Results determined the components of the new approach which was (6) pilot-tested in one long-term care facility. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered concerning benefits for the residents and feasibility for the staff. Results: A client-and activity-oriented approach was developed, characterised by an active participatory attitude of residents and staff and a systematic iterative process. Significant positive effects were found for the number of activities, the satisfaction with the leisure offered, the social network, medication use, but not for quality of life. The approach appeared to be feasible. Conclusion: This approach stimulates residents' meaningful activities of daily living and social life. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its outcome and implementation potentials.

Social Innovation Toward a Meaningful Everyday Life for Nursing Home Residents: An Ethnographic Study

“…However, we found that the activities were not something that the residents were forced to participate in but instead something that they enjoyed participating in and that gave their lives meaning. This was in line with the “Joy of Life Nursing Home” movement, as well as with the research on dignity for residents in nursing homes ( Shotton and Seedhouse, 1998 ; Brodtkorb et al, 2017 ; Slettebø et al, 2017 ; De Vriendt et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Introducing meaningful activities may contribute to establishing relationships and enhancing residents’ social lives ( Cialdini and Goldstein, 2004 ; Cohen and Janicki-Deverts, 2009 ; De Vriendt et al, 2019 ). De Vriendt et al (2019) provide a “because activities should be meaningful” approach with four dimensions: getting to know each other; self-prioritized goals; plan and actions; and evaluation and outcome.…”

“…Introducing meaningful activities may contribute to establishing relationships and enhancing residents’ social lives ( Cialdini and Goldstein, 2004 ; Cohen and Janicki-Deverts, 2009 ; De Vriendt et al, 2019 ). De Vriendt et al (2019) provide a “because activities should be meaningful” approach with four dimensions: getting to know each other; self-prioritized goals; plan and actions; and evaluation and outcome. In a pilot study, the authors find that meaningful activities of daily living were enabled by a participatory client-centered approach, improving satisfaction and social life, and decreasing medication use in long-term care facilities ( De Vriendt et al, 2019 ).…”

“… De Vriendt et al (2019) provide a “because activities should be meaningful” approach with four dimensions: getting to know each other; self-prioritized goals; plan and actions; and evaluation and outcome. In a pilot study, the authors find that meaningful activities of daily living were enabled by a participatory client-centered approach, improving satisfaction and social life, and decreasing medication use in long-term care facilities ( De Vriendt et al, 2019 ). Meaningful lives in nursing home residents may be fostered by focusing on positive affect and relationships, especially with family and to do activities together.…”

Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on Meaningful Activities for Persons with Dementia in Transition from Home to a Nursing Home: An Explorative Study

“…Although the importance of meaningful activities for persons with dementia in nursing homes is known, little is known about factors influencing meaningful activities and maintenance of these activities in the transition period. One study of cognitively intact older persons showed a decline in meaningful activities when moving to a nursing home [13]. Tak et al [14] have shown that while nursing home residents with dementia had a wide variety of hobbies and activities prior to moving to a nursing home, their current involvement in activities was limited and did not always match their interests.…”