Memory disorders are increasing as the Finnish population ages. They are progressive neurodegenerative diseases that occur in three out of four elderly people in long-term care. As the disease progresses, it complicates interaction with others and weakens the ability to function. The purpose of this thesis was to create a clear and concise educational video to aid nursing staff in encounters with people with memory disorders and to promote creative methods in supporting patients’ well-being. Our aim was also to support the well-being of nursing professionals by giving tools to allow time and energy for meaningful encounters.

The need for education on encountering and treating people with memory disorders was brought forward by the employees of the partner, the nursing home Villa Tapiola. An easily approachable video format was chosen, and the video was filmed on Villa Tapiola’s premises together with residents, staff, and family members. The output of the thesis is a video-based educational material to support the implementation of high-quality nursing in a way that promotes the well-being of the work community – both of new and old employees. At their best, encounters with patients improve the patient – practitioner relationship and make it easier to follow through with treatment. In the video, concrete examples and methods for bringing creativity into encounters with the patients are presented.

The educational video was presented at Villa Tapiola. Based on feedback, there was a clear need for the video. The video was well received with particularly positive feedback for the practicality of the guidance and the emphasis on a positive working environment. Villa Tapiola intends to make the video a permanent part of the introduction of a new employee. We believe that this video material can be useful for the wider community of nursing professionals, and it would be worth investing more in the subject, for example, with new and more focused videos.