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A discourse of silence: professional carers reasoning about death and dying in nursing homes
- Authors:
- ÖSTERLIND Jane, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 31(4), May 2011, pp.529-544.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
In nursing homes, death and dying are a common reality for both the residents and the staff. How death and dying is articulated in such a context, and the actions that take place there, constitute a discourse in which staff interpret and understand their work. The aim of this study was to explore the discourse of death and dying in nursing homes from the perspective and understanding of the staff. The study draws on Foucault's discourse analysis. Five focus-group discussions were held with 28 staff from 4 different nursing homes in Sweden. The staff were asked to share their thoughts about and experiences of death, dying and end-of-life care of older people. The findings show that the discourse had 3 characteristics: dying was silent and silenced; emotions were pushed into the background; and attentiveness to death arose after the moment of the elderly person's death. The discourse was characterised by a movement between avoiding and confronting death, the main focus being on avoidance. The article concludes that an alternative way of thinking is possible, where life and death are intertwined and equally supported. One way to achieve this could be to instil the philosophy of palliative care in nursing homes, including training and support for the staff in their work.
Get into Reading pilot project evaluation: April - September 2011
- Author:
- THE READER
- Publisher:
- The Reader
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 53
- Place of publication:
- Liverpool
An evaluation report of a 6 month Reader in Residence pilot delivered within eight Bupa care homes located in Merseyside and London by The Reader organisation. The pilot involved the setting up of Get Into Reading groups, which use the model of weekly long-term shared reading-aloud. A total of 162 Get Into Reading sessions were delivered during the project and 16 staff were trained. As part of the evaluation staff completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of the project, and focus groups were held with residents and staff to discuss their views about the group. The report includes feedback from residents, staff and family members on the sessions. The results of the evaluation demonstrated that the pilot was success in creating a culture of shared reading within the care homes. The pilot reported improvements in the wellbeing, social interaction, concentration, recollection, agitation and mood of residents, as well as the development of a strong sense of community within the groups. Staff also reported an improvement in their own wellbeing with groups providing an opportunity to build relationships with residents. Lessons identified from the project included the importance of the Reader in Residence to the model, the time the groups were held and the need for flexibility and responding to the needs of individual home set ups. (Edited publisher abstract)
How we treat the sick: neglect and abuse in our health services
- Author:
- MANDELSTAM Michael
- Publisher:
- Jessica Kingsley
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 384p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The author brings together a range of evidence to highlight the decline of care in our health services. The book looks at the causes of poor care and the lack of accountability for those responsible. The political, moral, professional and legal implications of a failure to care are highlighted and suggestions for making changes are made. A wide range of issues are covered including: dignity; management of continence; nutrition and hydration; staffing levels and attitudes; manslaughter; misinformation and spin; human rights; and the legal implications of neglect and abuse.