Formal caregivers' perceptions of everyday interaction with Deaf people with dementia

Objectives: Deteriorating interactive ability of people with dementia challenges formal caregivers. In Finland, Deaf people with advanced dementia may live in a nursing home designed for their care where the staff use Finnish Sign Language (FiSL). This study describes the perceptions of formal caregivers, focusing on the challenges, how they solve the challenges, and what support they need to improve interaction with Deaf residents. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 13 formal caregivers who work with Deaf people with dementia were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A purposive sampling was used. Results: Three key themes were challenges in interaction, strategies in supporting interaction, and support for coping. Caregivers perceived challenges in interaction caused by linguistic changes, deteriorating physical mobility and memory, and Deaf residents' behavioral challenges. Caregivers supported Deaf residents by learning to know them and using personal and linguistic strategies. Support for coping comprised supporting family members and other caregivers. Conclusions: Efficient skills in sign language (SL) and knowledge of dementia are essential in interacting with Deaf residents and to build interpersonal relationships for care. Clinical implications: Supporting Deaf residents requires learning the way they interact which can be achieved over time.