Language-Based Strategies that Support Person-Centered Communication in Formal Home Care Interactions with Persons Living with Dementia. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mundadan, Reanne G.; Savundranayagam, Marie Y.; Orange, J. B.; Murray, Laura
• Other Names: Fabius Chanee D. guest-editor.; Reckrey Jennifer M. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 42:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 639
• Page End: 650
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: dementia -- home care -- formal caregivers -- personal support workers -- communication -- language-based strategies -- training; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/07334648221142852
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Language-based strategies are recommended to improve coherence, clarity, reciprocity, and continuity of interactions with persons living with dementia. Person-centered care is the gold standard for caring for persons with dementia. Person-centered communication (PCC) strategies include facilitation, recognition, validation, and negotiation. Little is known about which language-based strategies support PCC in home care. Accordingly, this study investigated the overlap between language-based strategies and PCC in home care interactions. Analysis of conversation of 30 audio-recorded interactions between personal support workers (PSWs) and persons living with dementia was conducted. The overlap between PCC and language-based strategies was analyzed. Of 11, 347 communication units, 2578 overlapped with PCC. For facilitation, 21% were yes/no questions. For recognition, 25% were yes/no questions and 22% were affirmations. For validation, 81% were affirmations and positive feedback. Finally, 60% were yes/no questions for negotiation. The findings highlight the person-centeredness of language-based strategies. PSWs should use diverse language-based strategies that are person-centered.