Using Spiritual Reminiscence with a small group of Latvian residents with dementia in a nursing home: a multifaith and multicultural perspective

Post-World War II immigration to Australia included many from Eastern Europe. These older ethnic groups now challenge aged-care providers with cultural, language, and religious issues not always understood. This article examines spirituality and meaning in the experience of dementia of older Latvian residents, using in-depth interviews and small group work, based on a model of spiritual tasks of ageing. Data were analyzed using grounded theory and NVIVO7 computer package for qualitative data analysis. Main themes identified were need for connectedness; spiritual and religious practices; vulnerability and transcendence, physical health issues; wisdom and memory, war experiences; hope/fear and communication style of facilitator.