The needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care: An integrative review

Abstract

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo synthesise information about the needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care from the perspectives of the residents, families and care staff.BackgroundOlder people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care have care needs that are complex. Identifying these needs is critical to ensure quality care is delivered.DesignAn integrative review of literature.MethodsFive databases were searched for relevant articles: APA PsychINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. The search and screening were guided by PRISMA guidelines and Whittemore and Knafl's five‐step framework.ResultsFifteen papers were included in this review consisting of 4 quantitative, 9 qualitative and 2 mixed method studies. Two themes described the needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in residential aged care. The first was related to culture‐specific needs, and the second was related to dementia‐specific care needs. Culture‐specific needs comprised of three subthemes: (a) common language, (b) traditional food, and (c) social and spiritual requirements. Dementia‐specific needs comprised of (a) focusing on comfort in addition to clinical requirements and (b) individualised care that addresses behavioural symptoms of dementia.ConclusionsIdentifying and meeting the needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will improve quality care delivery in addition to increased caregiving satisfaction among residents, families and care staff, and the management of behaviours that characterise dementia.Relevance to Clinical PracticeCare needs of older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in the residential setting can be complex. Education and training of care staff including nurses must be considered so that provision of care is inclusive of the cultural and dementia needs for older people in residential aged care.