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- Swall, Anna, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Stepping out of the shadows of Alzheimer's disease : a phenomenological hermeneutic study of older persons with Alzheimer's disease caring for a therapy dog
- 2017
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In: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. - : Co-Action Publishing. - 1748-2623 .- 1748-2631. ; 12:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can involve a person being unable to recall and convey information in daily life. There are several ways to provide person-centred care to older people with AD, e.g. by empowering them in a situation. The use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) with a therapy dog in the care of people with dementia is increasing, with the presence of a therapy dog being described as improving, among other things, the well-being and socialization of the person. The aim of this study was to illuminate meanings of care for people with AD in their encounters with a therapy dog.Method: The study used video-recorded observations of the person with AD and the dog. Data were transcribed and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method.Results: The main theme was “Using one’s own resources and abilities as a human being”, which meant being the person one can be and distancing oneself from the symptoms of AD during the time with the dog.Conclusions: The feelings evoked in the people with AD included empathy and altruism, which allowed for a sense of joy and tenderness, which may induce a sense of self-worth, of being needed, and of being meaningful.
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