The nature of relationships in alternative dementia care environments

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the experiences of older adults with dementia while they were in long-term care and while they were in a summer-camp setting. Participant observation and interviews took place in both settings to gain an understanding of the experiences of seven residents of the long-term care facility. In the participants' experiences in the two contrasting environments, two types of relationships were evident-functional and supportive. Differing strategies were employed by residents within these two types of relationships. Notably, in supportive relationships, participants used humour and reminiscing in ways that reflected the depth of the relationship. At summer camp, in a more open and less constrained environment, relationships were dramatically altered and included elements of equality; personal interactions; and attention, reciprocity, and trust.