An evaluation of the Material Citizenship approach to dementia care and training

Abstract

Context: people living with a dementia are an increasing proportion of those residing in long term care settings. A person-centred approach is widely accepted practice for this group, but there is evidence that this is not universally applied. Material Citizenship is a novel delivery of person-centred dementia care and training which promotes the importance of functional objects to enhance choice, control and agency.

Objective: this evaluation of Material Citizenship assessed mode of training delivery, perceived impact of the training on care delivery and implementation challenges.

Methods: the programme was implemented in four care homes in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff participating in the training. A thematic analysis was undertaken.

Findings: there was evidence of increased inclusion of functional objects in the lives of residents, through involvement of residents in everyday tasks, of facilitation of hobbies and interests, and increased choice of functional objects in care. There was evidence of a shift to more positive risk taking. Key factors contributing to implementation were the interactive method of training, a whole system approach to delivery and the approach to risk. Inclusion of the approach in documentation and care planning remained a challenge.

Limitations: there was no quantitative assessment of impact on residents. The number of interviews conducted in two of the care homes was small.

Implications: Material Citizenship is a promising approach to dementia care, which contributes to the delivery of person-centred care. Further evaluation is required to confirm the benefits of the approach for residents, staff and organisations.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Jane Frankland: orcid.org/0000-0002-3813-8879

ORCID for Jackie Bridges: orcid.org/0000-0001-6776-736X

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