Factors that bring meaning to mementos created by elders

Empirical Evaluation of the "Caregivers Passage through Dementia" on African American Caregivers

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to empirically examine a new psychoeducational intervention that was designed for African American caregivers.

METHODS

African American caregivers (N = 49) to older adults with dementia were recruited from the community to participate in Universal Dementia Caregivers' (UCD) Bootcamp. Participants completed a pre- and post-assessment of dementia and caregiving knowledge, and a 30-day follow-up interview.

RESULTS

Caregivers who went through the UCD Bootcamp demonstrated an increase in basic knowledge of dementia, caregiving burden and coping strategies. In follow-up interviews, caregivers reported developing confidence, knowledge, and adaptive changes in attitudes toward self and loved one.

CONCLUSIONS

The Bootcamp is a novel psychoeducational intervention that improves caregiver knowledge and confidence. Our model, Caregiver Passage Through Dementia, is a training that can improve caregiver and family members' quality of life. Additionally, developing culturally sensitive interventions could help address the mistrust that exist in African American communities toward medical systems and research.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians reframing of caregiving as a gift resonates with many African American caregivers. Empowering caregivers through spirituality is often a necessary ingredient to working with African American caregivers. Clinicians need to demonstrate cultural sensitivity when working with African American caregivers.

Meaning-making in occupational therapy interventions: a scoping review

Abstract Introduction Meaning-making is an experience-centred process. It is an essential element for understanding the impact of occupational therapy interventions focused on fostering processes of becoming, one of the four integrated dimensions of meaningful occupation (along with doing, being, and belonging). Objective This paper aims to explore further some of the aspects that are essential for meaning-making in occupational therapy interventions. Method A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework was conducted. In the initial search, 528 articles were retrieved from three databases; 16 met the criteria for inclusion: articles in English, peer-reviewed, published between January 2008 and December 2017, that addressed some type of occupational therapy intervention, with data related to the meanings of the participants of the studies. Results The articles address a multiplicity of populations, services, and fields of practice, in qualitative studies, with methodologies that prioritise reflection on the lived experience. Thematic analysis highlights the interconnection between being, doing, and belonging to foster meaning-making; implications of professional actions; and meaning-making triggered by reflective processes. Conclusion Meaning-making demands reflection on the lived experience, and is influenced by human and physical environments. Both conditions/limitations and new skills/abilities enhance processes of meaning-making. Implications for future research are considered.

A concept analysis of creative activities as intervention in occupational therapy

Background: This article is based on a common understanding of the concept of creative activities as intervention, as described in occupational therapy literature. Historically, creative activities have been used as intervention in occupational therapy. There is, however, a lack of clarity in descriptions of the concept.Aims/Objectives: To investigate and clarify the concept of creative activities as intervention (CaI) and to validate the findings in occupational therapy practice.Material and methods: A selection of articles according to PRISMA resulted in 15 articles, analysed with concept analysis. The results were validated by a reference panel of seven occupational therapists using a questionnaire and data was analysed by descriptive statistics.Results: Five attributes defined CaI: (1) Often consisting of elements of art and craft using mind and body, (2) Being experienced as meaningful, (3) Creating creative processes, (4) Developing skills, enhancing occupational performance and managing everyday life, and (5) Being easy to modify individually or in groups with different approaches. Three cases were generated from the attributes to illustrate the integrity of the analysis.Conclusions and significance: The results led to a description of CaI that could facilitate future research communication and common definition in occupational therapy practice.