Michaela Hiekischova Using Biographical History in Individual Planning for People with Alzheimer’s Disease in Homes for the Elderly: Best Practice?

Michaela Hiekischová

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The article examines how biographical history is used when working with a client in selected homes for seniors, and reveals how the results are applied to individual plans. THEORETICAL BASE: In this context, the text is built on the psycho-biographical care model of Erwin Böhm. In this concept, care is primarily aimed at reviving the psyche of seniors, activating or stimulating them, providing individualized care, and maintaining the principle of normality in the elderly. The main tool for it is the client’s biography (life story). METHODS: We used mainly semi-structured interviews and additionally structured observation. OUTCOMES: We observed that the targeted way of implementing biographical history into individual plans was evident in only one out of the three institutions. However, activating or stimulating activities have been tailored to the needs of clients and their past-based interests and habits in all the homes for the elderly. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: Therefore, the findings can be used for practical social work as inspiration for the care of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Although they are institutions of complete care, thus the use of biographical history can lead to a higher level of professional care.

Keywords:
psycho-biographical care model, biographical history, individual planning, Alzheimer’s disease, home for the elderly