Date of Award:
12-2019
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Human Development and Family Studies
Committee Chair(s)
Elizabeth Fauth
Committee
Elizabeth Fauth
Committee
Yin Liu
Committee
Yoon Lee
Committee
Josh R. Novak
Abstract
In this study, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who work regularly with long-term care residents with dementia were interviewed to investigate whether they considered providing social and emotional support to people with dementia an important part of their jobs. They were given an online survey, then each participated in an in-person interview that was recorded and later transcribed and analyzed for common themes. Through data analysis, I found that the participating CNAs unanimously considered social support to be an important aspect of caring for someone with dementia, and several personal values were associated with this perspective. They also reported the trainings they had received in preparation for dementia care were largely not sufficient to prepare them for interacting effectively with the residents. Additionally, they cited various other barriers that impede their ability to provide the social support they feel is necessary to provide. Overall, this sample of CNAs did not provide great diversity, and future research should compare these results to more diverse groups.
Checksum
0e2796823b8ce325fbd1d1683bd84812
Recommended Citation
Dokos, Malinda K., "The Role of Social Support in Dementia Care Facilities: Staff Member Perspectives" (2019). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7648.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/7648
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