Dementia and its influence on quality of life and what it means to be valued : family members’ perceptions

This pragmatic, exploratory qualitative study, as part of a larger funded research project, sought to explore families’ perspectives on what it means to value a person with dementia and how this value might influence the quality of life of people with dementia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 family members who used one long-term care service provider in Australia. Families described the factors influencing a positive quality of life for the person with dementia as being related to the environment and, in particular, to the resident’s room, supportive staff and individualised care that valued the person’s life experience. Family also reported a negative impacton quality of life when staff and the care facility neglected to provide an individualised approach.This study highlights the importance of demonstrating the value of the person with dementia, thefamily role and partnerships of care.