Healthcare assistants' craft of care: supporting older people with dementia in mental health wards

Background: In the UK, healthcare assistants play an important role in caring for older people living with dementia who are admitted to mental health wards. However, their role is poorly described and understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the ways healthcare assistants provide care in these wards. Methods: A qualitative mixed methods, longitudinal and participatory action research study was conducted across two sites in the North of England. Nine experienced healthcare support workers participated in the study. Results: Three healthcare support worker practice domains were identified, all of which highlighted the range of attributes that healthcare support workers draw upon in their everyday caring practices in the ward. These included using my senses and my body, ‘tuning in’ to five different aspects while caring, and being co-present. Conclusions: Healthcare support worker practice on the mental health wards for older people with dementia requires skill and attention. Findings from this study revealed that this workforce plays an important role in attending to the needs of vulnerable patients. Implications for practice: The practice poster co-produced in this study could help healthcare organisations and staff to understand the different ways that support workers engage in their practice. Future studies could explore the value of caring through sensory practices and how healthcare assistants learn and improve these skills.