Award Date: 2017

Project Lead(s): Rebekah Hackbusch, Coordinator Spiritual and Religious Care

Project Title: A Video-Based Reminiscence Program to Support Quality of Life in Older Adults in Palliative Care and Their Caregivers

What is the issue?

People in palliative care may experience depression, hopelessness, and a desire to die sooner. Interventions may improve well-being and quality of life.

What did we do?

We tested a video-based program for recalling memories called LIFEView. The virtual technology allows people to remember past experiences and escape from their current surroundings. A total of 27 older adults in hospital and community palliative settings participated in our study, together with 16 family members and caregivers.

What did we find?

Most participants and family members enjoyed the video memory sessions and said they felt more at ease. We did not observe significant improvements in participants’ well-being, tiredness, or anxiety levels. Very few people had negative experiences.