Caring for the frail and dependent elderly: a systematic review of the effectiveness of educational-animation strategies for the quality of life of people with dementia and caregivers

Abstract

The aging of the population is changing the demographic features of families, increasingly involved in the care of frail and dependent elderly. Dementia, and the behavioural problems related, threaten the quality of life of the elderly and caregivers. In parallel, the positive impact of the use of non-pharmacological approaches in dementia care is now recognized: models and practices of socio-educational intervention, which respond to psychosocial needs. Since the pandemic emergency has on the one hand, challenged the adaptability of services for the elderly and, on the other, increased social isolation in home care, a rethinking of all care contexts is necessary. In order to reflect on this phenomenon, the contribution presents a systematic review on the impact of non-pharmacological approaches in elderly care, interpreting the findings in the light of emerging problems.