Assessing Alzheimer’s disease in long-term care: an autoethnographic study of a proposed innovative tool

Purpose The Nordic region is projected to experience a substantial increase in the number of older adults diagnosed with dementia, reaching approximately half a million. Given this expanding demographic, the dissemination of innovative solutions developed by nurses is imperative to ensure the effective and continuous management of older adults in nursing facilities. This study aims to communicate the author’s experience with the effective selection of an innovative concept, entitled the memory passport, with the goal of enhancing care services for older adults residing in nursing homes. Design/methodology/approach This study used the autoethnographic approach to recount the author’s experiences in professional caregiving for residents and patients with Alzheimer’s disease, grounding these experiences in self-reflexivity. Findings Drawing from autoethnographic observations, it is evident that nursing staff members have encountered significant challenges in implementing the physical, mental and social dimensions of health due to a prevailing nursing shortage. The onerous documentation requirements and the involvement of other health professionals, family members and next of kin have led to the development of a proposed innovative tool. The memory passport aims to address all the health dimensions and streamline nursing documentation while ensuring the implementation of a client-centered approach. Originality/value The memory passport as a proposed innovative tool considers a comprehensive, client-centered care approach to long-term care residents in nursing homes. It has also the potential to be used in home health services daily, integrated within the patient information system. The dissemination of innovative concepts by nurses, such as the memory passport, is of paramount importance, as it encourages nurses to explore avenues for enhancing the lives of older adults.