2011 Volume 14 Issue 2 Pages 26-33
Background : Homecare nursing is an important service for older adults with dementia and their families to manage their living at home and to avoid institutionalization. However the contents and process of good homecare nursing for those with dementia and their family are not necessarily well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the contents and process of homecare nursing for older adults with dementia.
Methods : A qualitative study design was utilized. Open-ended, in-depth interview was conducted to 12 homecare nurses on their experience of providing care for an older adult with dementia and their family. The constant comparative approach was used for data collection and analysis.
Results : Seven categories that belong to the process of dementia homecare nursing have emerged; 1) developing a situation in which the client allows the nurse to enter his/her house; 2) letting clients get used to nurse’s routine visits; 3) solving problems associated with client’s daily life; 4) providing enjoyment in client’s life; 5) introducing social services; 6) reducing the home care nurse’s involvement; 7) supporting the family caregiving. An additional category that underlines these seven categories was also found: basing one’s care on a long-term scenario.
Conclusions : The process of homecare nursing for older adults with dementia consisted of several categories that form stages. These categories allow the new nurses to understand the contents and process of homecare nursing for older adults with dementia.
