Exercise and Dementia in Nursing Homes: Views of Staff and Family Carers

Abstract

This paper reports the qualitative component of a randomized controlled trial which evaluated the impact and feasibility of a physical exercise intervention on individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. Interviews were conducted with 10 staff and nine family carers about their views and opinions of physical exercise (n = 19). Thematic content analysis revealed both benefits and barriers to physical exercise for individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. Another theme was the influences of knowledge and understanding on individuals' views of physical exercise. The involvement of staff and family carers in research encourage their involvement in the implementation of research into clinical practice. This can help to improve provisions of meaningful and beneficial activities for individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. The views and opinions of individuals living with dementia in nursing homes were not considered, though it would be beneficial to include them in future research.

Exercise physiology in aged care: Perceptions and acceptability from the perspectives of family members and care staff in the residential aged care environment

“…The physical, cognitive, behavioural, and social benefits reported in this study are similar to those reported in a recently published analysis of the perceptions of staff and family carers of RACF residents participating in a physiotherapist-led exercise programme (Brett et al., 2018). In contrast to this study, we did not receive reports of increased levels of agitation, or antisocial behaviour towards care staff, and this is an avenue for further exploration.…”

“…In recognising time as a major barrier, care staff almost unanimously agreed that this type of programme should be delivered by trained staff, such as EPs. This notion is similar to the findings of Brett et al. (2018) study, whereby interviewees suggested exercise interventions be run by a person ‘dedicated’ to the role.…”

“…This study sought to qualitatively examine the perceptions of benefit and acceptability of the 12-week, EP-delivered exercise programme from the perspectives of family members, and care staff, of residents living in the aged care facility. A similar approach was undertaken to understanding perceptions related to exercise for nursing home residents with dementia with respect to a physiotherapist-led programme (Brett, Traynor, Stapley, & Meedya, 2018). In this analysis, benefits and barriers associated with exercise for residents were identified, including improved social interaction, physical mobility, and psychological factors such as mood; however, for some residents, staff reported that participation increased levels of agitation and demand on staff (Brett et al., 2018).…”

What Moves People Living With Dementia? Exploring Barriers and Motivators for Physical Activity Perceived by People Living With Dementia in Care Homes

“…The inclusion of the wishes, needs, attitudes, and beliefs of people living with dementia concerning physical activity is a crucial prerequisite for the development of targeted and successful interventions in the long-term care setting ( de Souto Barreto et al, 2016 ). These aspects have not been discussed in physical activity research so far, and no significant efforts have been made to consider the voices of people living with dementia in care homes concerning the development of exercise programs ( Brett et al, 2018 ; Tak et al, 2015 ).…”

Including ethnic and cultural diversity in dementia research

“…The sparse data we identified relating to the ethnic diversity of participants in Australian dementia research suggest that CALD people are under‐represented. We searched the Scopus database and of the 15 published dementia clinical trials published between 2016 and 2018, two studies reported that 33.3% and 31.6% of participants were from non‐Australian backgrounds, and three studies reported that 7.1%, 12.5% and 57.0% of participants spoke English as a second language . The remaining ten studies did not report ethnicity‐related data.…”