2017 Volume 21 Issue 1 Pages 67-75
This study aimed to clarify the process in which elderly people with dementia begin to face the limitations of leading an independent life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 care managers, and their statements were qualitatively and descriptively analyzed. Findings obtained through analysis are summarized as follows.
Despite their [wish to maintain an independent life], elderly people with dementia begin to face [problems in their daily life activities due to cardinal symptoms], leading to [difficulty in appropriately managing their own physical conditions]. In such a situation, it is also [difficult for them to appropriately use care services], but [effective multi-professional approaches and cooperation] help them improve [their daily life activities]. However, when [their safety begins to be threatened], as <they frequently lose their way, and cannot return home independently>, and <there is an increased risk of fires, but it is difficult to adopt preventive measures>, while [neighbors show evasive attitudes toward their disease-specific, incomprehensible behavior], they are forced to give up their independent lives, not based on their own intentions, but due to the [fatigue and resignation of their families and service providers]. Based on these results, it may be necessary to support elderly people with dementia, in order to ensure their safety in consideration of their neighborhood relationships.
