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    Traumatic injury and dementia in New Zealand : a Palmerston North Hospital case-control study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Westerberg, Virginia
    Little is known about the relationship between traumatic injury (TI) and dementia. The increasing prevalence of both conditions in the world and in New Zealand (NZ) drove the Author to want to investigate whether the pathophysiological consequences of major trauma of any kind - mostly due to falls in the dementia population - and not just traumatic brain injury (TBI), may result in dementia. Both TI and dementia constitute major health and socio-economic problems contributing to long-term disability worldwide and have important implications for health service delivery and for medico-legal compensation issues. The first specific objective was to determine whether dementia was associated with an increased risk and incidence of trauma in the past and whether such an association might be explained by the injuries or by medical comorbidities. The second specific objective was to identify whether there were any differences in the mechanisms of injury and type of discharge from hospital between cases and controls. The research was a non-experimental, retrospective, hospital-based, case-control study. Cases and controls were selected from the Palmerston North Hospital (PNH) acute admissions database and were matched in terms of exposure to traumatic injury, sex, age, ethnicity, and recorded comordibites. Statistical and epidemiological analyses were done using RaosoftR and MedCalcR softwares. All medical conditions were operationally defined using the current World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The results showed that a history of TI was more frequently found in cases with dementia than in the controls. Patients with dementia and TI were more likely to have preexisting comorbidities and were more unlikely to be discharged to their previous habitual residence. The findings strongly indicate that the brain is affected by the way the body responds to TI both locally and systemically. The conclusion was that the direct and indirect consequences of TI, mostly due to falls, could constitute a plausible risk factor for the development or progression of dementia but that further research is needed to assess what type of trauma and what type of dementia could be involved in the association, one that is likely to be multifactorial in the elderly population.
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    Excellence in dementia care : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Melling, Patricia Mary
    This thesis is based on the belief that the functioning and quality of life of persons with dementia has the potential to improve in an environment where autonomy and independence are fostered within the abilities of the individual and the limitations of their disability. The thesis draws on critical theory to formulate a comprehensive framework aimed at empowering workers and caregivers to improve the quality of life for people with dementia living in residential facilities or at home. The thesis then shows how this critical approach can be applied in practice. Two surveys were conducted. The first, examined whether workers were able to implement changes in residential facilities following an educational programme. The second evaluated the usefulness of a booklet produced for family caregivers on choosing residential care for their loved ones. The thesis examines the policy implications and concludes with recommendations directed at policy makers and managers, which, if adopted, would provide the best quality of care for people with dementia.
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    The relationship between Kitwood's model of needs and a student's music therapy practice in an acute assessment unit for people living with dementia and mental health issues : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Massey campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Allan, Maharani
    This study focused on reviewing a student’s music therapy practice at an acute assessment unit for people living with dementia and mental health issues, finding links between the placement philosophy, and new ideas about practice. Kitwood’s (1997) book on personhood and the needs of people who are living with dementia and other mental health issues appeared to resonate with the student music therapists’ practice. This was supported by the active use of his model of needs by nursing staff at the placement. Investigations looked specifically at Kitwood’s model of needs; how music therapy links with his philosophy and how interventions during practice connected to those needs. The data was draw from descriptive clinical notes using secondary analysis. The rich qualitative data was analysed using deductive and inductive methods. Findings are presented under Kitwood’s model of needs, forming the five categories for the study. The main themes within these categories were then summarised and explanations given under both Kitwood’s model of needs and music therapy interventions used to meet them. Though the findings are qualitative, specific to this study and not necessarily generalisable, several links within music therapy practice, and nursing practice revealed the importance and need for more person-centred individualised care programmes for patients in mental health settings.
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    Involving family members of people with dementia in the music therapy process at a residential care facility : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at Massey University, Wellington Campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Dennis, Patrice
    The therapeutic use of music with older adults with dementia is widely documented, and family involvement is encouraged in both music therapy practice and dementia care services. This qualitative study explores and describes the experience of a student music therapist involving the family members of people with dementia in the music therapy process in a residential care facility. Grounded theory methodology informed analysis of the data sources. Secondary data was analysed and a theoretical perspective regarding family involvement in the music therapy process in this setting was developed. The findings are presented in main categories consisting of: building relationships, sharing information, unplanned family involvement in music therapy sessions, flexibility, spontaneity, joy and humour, and negotiation of the music therapist role in the community of the facility. The emergent theoretical perspective suggests that involving family members in the music therapy process in residential care facility is valuable in fostering and strengthening a sense of community between residents, family members and care staff.