Home‐based solutions for dementia management: Results from a survey of dementia caregiver

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundLiving with dementia affects almost every aspect of life. Medical care concepts, however, focus mainly on biological aspects of the disease so that many caregivers have to find solutions themselves for dealing with the other aspects of daily life. Aim of the present study was to identify such solutions.MethodWe conducted a survey with seven groups of stakeholders in dementia care, (1) caring spouses, (2) caring family members, (3) professional caregivers, (4) volunteering/nonprofessional caregivers, (5) therapists, (6) counselors for people with dementia, and (7) people with dementia themselves. A total of 131 participants reported their experiences and perceptions in structured interviews.ResultWe will report on home‐based solutions for dementia management our participants have reports. Specifically, we report on the type of solutions, by whom they are conducted, how often they are applied, how they are financed, and what positive effects are experienced. Further, we report on what our participants perceived as most effective for increasing well‐being, reducing cognitive decline, and dealing with behavioral problems or with depression.ConclusionOur results indicate a number of useful home‐based solutions for people with dementia. Given the many challenges that come with dementia, care concepts incorporating such solutions are urgently necessary to improve well‐being of those living with dementia.