Supporting Persons With Dementia: Perspectives From Certified Nurse's Assistants

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dementia Care
• Social Work

Background:

• Residential communities house many individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD).
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are the primary caregivers in these settings, interacting frequently with residents.
• Despite frequent interaction, CNAs provide limited social support to persons with ADRD, with limited understanding of CNA attitudes and perceptions of social interaction quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Certified Nursing Assistants' (CNAs) attitudes towards providing social support to persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD).
• To understand CNAs' perceptions of the components that constitute quality social interactions with persons with ADRD.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a qualitative approach using semistructured interviews.
• Eleven CNAs participated in the interviews (91% female, mean age 23.6).
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Main Results:

• CNAs perceive social support as a significant aspect of their professional role.
• Effective social interactions are influenced by verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as CNAs' internal beliefs and attitudes.
• Key barriers identified include time constraints, insufficient training, and managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a need for enhanced training programs for CNAs caring for individuals with dementia.
• Policy improvements are recommended to address identified barriers and enhance social support provision.
• Optimizing social support requires addressing both caregiver factors and systemic issues within residential care settings.