This initiative designed by Dementia Care Matters first began in the United Kingdom. Over the last 20 years, this approach to care has sparked interest in Ireland, Australia, the USA and Canada. The first commissioned pilot project, from Dementia Care Matters occurred in two towns in Alberta – Spruce Grove and Whitemud (Sainsbury & Gaudet, 2018). The Butterfly project promotes an organizational culture shift – staff are taught that “feelings matter most” and that there is meaning behind every behaviour of resident’s. More about this initiative can be learned by watching the video below!
What I enjoy most about watching this video, is seeing the mutual joy among residents and staff. I also appreciate how this model encourages residents to be embraced with touch (ie. hugging). This type of project requires a change in organizational/institutional values, which in turn can feed into the policies that are set by the organization. As an example, an institution would need to create a policy that outlines all new staff must complete staff training that reviews dementia care (as per the Butterfly Model).
At 4:39 the video indicates that some of the benefits of this human-centred initiative include (1) reduced antipsychotic drugs and (2) reduced cases of worsened depression. As this method emphasizes staff working with residents’ feelings, it appears there could be a connection between emotions, mental health, and these documented results.
There is growing popularity and uptake in there projects across the country, it would be wonderful to see this type of model be embraced among all long-term-care facilities!
References:
Sainsbury, R.K. & Gaudet, N. (2018). Lifestyle options/choices in community living ‘life my way. Living well with dementia’ Final report. Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/about/scn/ahs-scn-srs-cig-life-my-way-2018-final-report.pdf
Mental Health Policy for Older Adults 