Photo-elicited conversations about meetings with a therapy dog as a tool for communication in dementia care: An observational study

Abstract

Introduction It is well-known that people with dementia living in residential care facilities spend most of their time not engaged in meaningful activities. Being involved in activities can improve their quality of life. Animal-assisted therapy is an activity that can evoke engagement and joy. Another way to create engagement and promote communication between people with dementia and caregivers is to use photos. Methods In this observational study, the researchers combined animal-assisted therapy and photobooks in order to explore whether photos of people with dementia who were engaged in animal-assisted therapy could be used as a tool for communication in dementia care. Ten persons (4 men and 6 women; aged 72–92) with dementia were video recorded during photo-elicited conversations with a dog handler/assistant nurse. The recordings were conducted in two residential care facilities in Sweden during 2017–2018. Each participant was video recorded 2–4 times. The recordings were analysed using The Observed Emotion Rating Scale and The Observational Measurement of Engagement-OME Modified. In addition, the video recordings were interpreted from a hermeneutic perspective. Findings The findings showed that the most frequently observed effects were pleasure and general alertness, and the participants were observed to be attentive most of the time. The most common attitude during the conversations was ‘somewhat positive’. The hermeneutic interpretations were grouped into four themes: Conveys a structure for the conversation with an inherent beginning and ending; An opportunity to recognise oneself and recall a sense of belonging; Awakens emotions and creates fellowship and Entails confirmation and revitalises their identity. Conclusion Photobooks can be used by caregivers as a tool for meaningful and joyful communication with people with dementia, even those with severe dementia.