Dignity-Preserving Dementia Care in Old Age Homes in Nepal

Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives

Bibliographic Data

ID15736671
AuthorsOscar Tranvåg (0000-0001-9529-7879, Oslo University Hospital, corresponding author), Soni Shrestha (0000-0001-6695-1878, University of Bergen)
Year2025
Volume12
Pages23333936251369444-23333936251369444
Publication date2025-08-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Qualitative Nursing Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2333-3936 • E-ISSN: 2333-3936
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/23333936251369444
PMID40895401
OpenAlexW4413767874
LanguageEN
References cited66

In recent decades, there has been growing interest in research on dignity in care for persons with dementia living in high-income countries. In contrast, such research remains limited in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' perceptions of the critical qualities inherent in dignity-preserving care for persons with dementia living in old age homes in Nepal. Using a hermeneutical approach, we conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with eleven healthcare professionals. Our analysis revealed that participants' understanding of dignity-preserving care was rooted in their ontological and cultural belief of 'Acknowledging the equal worth of each human being'. Grounded in this foundational belief, critical elements of dignity-preserving care practices focused on 'sheltering the self-esteem and promoting a meaningful everyday life of persons with dementia'. These practices involved 'being respectful and protecting the self-identity of each person'; 'recognising the need for being a person who people listen to'; 'showing regard for each person's efforts and contributions in life'; 'safeguarding the person's sense of belonging', and; 'facilitating personally valued activities', and were considered as critical qualities of dignity-preserving care. The study provides valuable insights for improving care strategies and informing policy developments for dignity-preserving care for persons with dementia

Aged care · Dementia · Dignity · Disease · Health care · Health professionals · Political science · Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints · Medicine · Nursing · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Patient Dignity and Privacy · Psychology · Gerontology

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