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Experiences of long term ongoing structured support in early stage of dementia – a case study
Author(s) -
Kjallman Alm Annika,
Hellzen Ove,
Norbergh KarlGustaf
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of older people nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.707
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1748-3743
pISSN - 1748-3735
DOI - 10.1111/opn.12034
Subject(s) - dementia , kinship , social support , psychology , support group , population , perspective (graphical) , gerontology , disease , developmental psychology , medicine , social psychology , psychiatry , sociology , environmental health , pathology , artificial intelligence , anthropology , computer science
Background The prevalence of dementia diseases is increasing worldwide with advancing age and growing populations. In Sweden alone, which currently has a population of approximately 9 million people, there are about 25 000 persons diagnosed each year with a dementia. Consequently, after such a diagnosis, there is a need for support. The recipients of that support include next of kin who seek a variety of information, including potential lifestyle changes and ways of dealing with personality changes in their loved one who has a dementia. Aims and objectives The aim was to explore four couples experiences in long‐term ongoing structured support groups. Design A single‐case study using semi‐structured interviews supported by ‘diary notes’ maintained by each participating couple were used. Method: Semi‐structured interviews were analysed using content analysis. Result Three categories represent the findings across the four cases: Knowledge about the disease, Sense of comfort and support, and, Kinship through shared experiences. One category, Longing for kinship was created exclusively for one of the couples. Viewing the emerging categories from a healthy ageing perspective, both comfort and support and kinship through shared experiences can be considered as components of larger themes of support and social interaction. Conclusions Findings suggest that structured support groups are a good way to encourage discussions, allow persons with dementia to express themselves and support healthy ageing among partners. Implications for practice Facilitators, regardless of whether they are social workers or Registered Nurses, should be trained in group processes to enable individuals in a group to communicate and find meaning in their experiences.