Dignity Therapy in Aged Care:A pilot study to determine feasibility and likely impact on residents and service providers

Arm 1 - Dignity Therapy Dignity Therapy involves 3 interviews during which the new resident is given the opportunity to reflect on important aspects of their lives, and how these experiences may benefit others. The first interview is face to face, approximately 1 hour long and audio recorded. The second interview is face to face, approximately 30 minutes long and is when the resident is able to edit the information obtained in the first interview. The third interview is face to face and approximately 15 minutes long when the resident is given the final document. This document is then made available to staff. In this study we are asking that the staff may be allowed to access the document so that they can refer to it when planning and delivering care. One in three transcripts will be randomly selected by principal investigators and reviewed using the Dignity Therapy Adherence form. This will ensure adherence to the Dignity Therapy protocol and document deviations. Dignity Therapy Intervention series of guided questions about a person's past life and events that are important to them. The interview is recorded, then edited, with a printed transcript as the end result. This transcript is, the generativity document or legacy, is designed to capture the essence of the person who was interviewed. The content of the document is the outcome of the following questions being asked - "Tell me a little about your life history; particularly the parts that you either remember most, or are most important? When did you feel most alive? * Are there things that you would want your family to know or remember about you? * What are the most important roles you have played in your life (family, work, community service etc.)? Why were they important to you, and what did you accomplish? * What are your most important accomplishments, and what makes you feel most proud? * Are there things that you feel need to be said to your loved ones, or things that you would want to say again? * What are your hopes and dreams for your loved ones? * What have you learned about life that you want to pass along to others? What advice or guidance would you wish to pass along to your child(ren), husband, wife, parents, other(s)? * Are there important words or instructions you would like to offer your family? * In creating this permanent record, are there other things that you would like included?"