Project Details

The dissertation deals with a relevant care issue, namely the care of people with dementia. Due to the increasing number of people with dementia in our society and the current lack of curative approaches, social care and nursing care for people with dementia is of great importance, also because of its complexity. The main care goals are to improve the quality of life of those affected and to enhance their social participation. Increasingly, people with dementia are currently being cared for in small-scale care and support settings such as nursing homes, shared accommodation or outpatient-supported shared accommodation. The dissertation examines the effect of animal-assisted interventions in the care of people with dementia in small-scale, outpatient residential settings. Against the backdrop of increasing prevalence of dementia and a lack of curative treatment approaches, social care and nursing care are of central importance. The aim of this study is to examine whether regular dog visiting services can contribute to improving the quality of life and social participation of people with dementia. Methodologically, the study is based on a mixed-methods design that combines a literature review with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Validated quantitative instruments are supplemented by qualitative interviews with care and nursing staff in order to assess the effects and the conditions that promote or inhibit animal-assisted interventions. The results show differentiated indications of potential positive effects of dog visiting services.