Using life story work to enhance care.
Life story work has been promoted as a tool to enhance the care provided to older people, particularly those with dementia. The benefits for individuals, families and/or friends and for staff include improving understanding of the individual, promoting relationships and assisting in the delivery of person-centred care. However, professionals often experience difficulties using life story work. This article considers a range of life story tools and advice on gathering information about a person. It highlights the importance of leadership and developing positive cultures to ensure that life story work can be effectively sustained.
Royal College of Nursing, London. rachel.thompson@rcn.org.uk
Rachel
R
Thompson
D000368:Aged; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D001325:Autobiographies as Topic; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006801:Humans; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom