Volunteering in dementia care in an Australian hospital: A phenomenological study

Abstract

BackgroundHospitals can be a distressing environment for people with dementia, family and staff. Volunteers are used successfully in health care settings assisting in the provision of care for people with dementia. AimThe aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of volunteers who work with hospitalised people who have dementia. MethodsAn interpretive phenomenological study was conducted in an Australian metropolitan hospital. A thematic analysis of six transcribed interviews was conducted. FindingsThree themes were revealed: drawn to volunteering, being a volunteer and needing support. Understanding the motivations for volunteer programs is a vital part of successful recruitment and retention. The participants described wanting to help others and giving back to the community as motivations. Volunteer activities varied from assisting clients with meals, spending time socialising and providing support with ambulation. Some volunteers shared a sense of role restriction which thwarted possibilities to provide care, these included not being able to assist clients with meals or mobilising to the toilet. ConclusionA clear role description, debriefing and mentorship support, would help to improve the success of future volunteering programs. Ward-based orientation with follow-up dementia-specific training are identified as important in motivating and supporting volunteers. A focus on how to respond to behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia were identified needs. Role expansion supported by a buddy system would enable the expansion of volunteer activities and promote recruitment and the future success of such programs in the context of dementia care.