Anne Bourbonnais, RN, PhD
Scientific Series: April 4, 2024
The relationship-centred approach with older people, or how to promote the well-being for all
Working with older adults living with cognitive impairments is often difficult because of their communication difficulties. This can lead to behaviour that is difficult to understand. This has consequences for them as well as for their family care partners and caregiving staff. The relationship-centred approach can improve everyone's experience. The principles of this approach will be outlined, based on each person's unique needs, the reciprocity of their relationships, and their shared aspirations. Examples of the application of this approach in clinical settings will be presented.
Using a relationship-centred approach when working with older adults living with cognitive impairments can help both caregiving staff and family care partners better understand the sometimes difficult or out-of-the-ordinary behaviour that these patients may show.
At the end of this session, participants will:
Recognize the experience of older persons living with cognitive impairment.
Define the relationship-centred approach with older persons living with cognitive impairment.
Describe strategies for implementing this approach.
Anne Bourbonnais, RN, PhD is a full professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the Université de Montréal, she is the Chairholder of the Canada Research Chair in Care for Older People and of the Research Chair in Nursing Care for Older People and their Families. She is also a researcher at the Research Centre of the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM).
She has expertise in the care of older people living with a major neurocognitive disorder. As a researcher, she is particularly interested in the behaviours of these older people and the development of interventions to promote their well-being, as well as that of their family care partners and caregiving staff, from a clinical and social perspective. For more details, click here.