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Living in aged care: Using spiritual reminiscence to enhance meaning in life for those with dementia
Author(s) -
MacKinlay Elizabeth,
Trevitt Corinne
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.911
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1447-0349
pISSN - 1445-8330
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2010.00684.x
Subject(s) - reminiscence , psychology , facilitator , dementia , meaning (existential) , sadness , cognitive reframing , psychotherapist , qualitative research , spirituality , anger , social psychology , medicine , sociology , cognitive psychology , social science , alternative medicine , disease , pathology
Spiritual reminiscence is a way of telling a life story with emphasis on meaning. Spiritual reminiscence can identify meaning associated with joy, sadness, anger, guilt, or regret. Exploring these issues in older age can help people to reframe some of these events and come to new understanding of the meaning and purpose of their lives. A total of 113 older adults with dementia, living in aged‐care facilities, participated in this study. They were allocated to small groups for spiritual reminiscence, to meet weekly over 6 weeks or 6 months. Quantitative data were gathered using a behavioural scale before and after each spiritual reminiscence session. Qualitative data included taped and transcribed reminiscence sessions, individual interviews, and observer journals. A facilitator led the small‐group discussion based on spiritual reminiscence. New relationships were developed among group members that improved life for these people in aged care. This paper examines aspects of the qualitative data around the themes of ‘meaning in life’ and ‘vulnerability and transcendence’. Spiritual reminiscence offers nursing staff a way of knowing those with dementia in a deeper and more meaningful way.