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Former Work Life and People With Dementia
Bente Nordtug1, Karin Torvik, Hildfrid V Brataas
1Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Norway (Drs Nordtug, Torvik, and Braatas); Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Sciences and Technology (Drs Torvik, Holen, and Knizek); Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Mental Health, NTNU-Norwegain University of Science and Technology (Dr Holen).
This study explored how dementia affects perceptions of past work. Individuals with dementia found value in paid work but felt unpaid work was unrecognized, impacting their self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with dementia is crucial for improving care.
- Work narratives can significantly influence self-perception and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how persons with dementia reflect on their past work lives.
- To understand the influence of cultural values on work choices and perceptions.
- To identify how dementia impacts feelings about paid versus unpaid work.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with twelve individuals diagnosed with dementia.
- Participants discussed their work histories, motivations, and feelings about their contributions.
- Thematic analysis was used to interpret the interview data.
Main Results:
- Motivation for past work was linked to contemporary cultural values.
- Individuals accepting their dementia reported positive feelings about paid work contributions.
- Unpaid work was often perceived as undervalued and unrecognized by others.
- Some participants grieved losses associated with dementia, irrespective of past achievements.
Conclusions:
- Work narratives offer insights into the self-esteem and identity of persons with dementia.
- Caregivers can leverage work memories to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia.
- Recognizing the value of both paid and unpaid work is important for individuals with dementia.
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