Being present and meaningful engagement for aged care residents living with dementia: A mixed-methods evaluation of Australian care worker's experiences.

Care workers in our study expressed their desire to be present with residents and stated that enablers such as meaningfully engaging with residents was one of the most enjoyable aspects of their work. Barriers such as staff shortages, competing demands of the role and time-related impediments to being present were reported. Addressing challenges to being present with residents living with dementia is key to help avoiding poor care practices and resident outcomes.