Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2011, 2(3):248-256

Quality of life of patients with dementia from the perspective of family members

Taťána Kršíková1,*, Radka Bužgová2
1 Psychiatric department, Hospital Havířov
2 Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava

Objective: The aim of the research was to determine the quality of life of seniors with dementia from the perspective of family members. Furthermore, to compare the perceptions of quality of life of seniors with dementia by family members depending on the environment in which the senior lives.

Methodology: A qualitative research was performed, for the method of data collection was used non-standardized interview. Research was attended by nine family members of patients with dementia. Based on analysis of data there were determined four categories: 1. changes in the psychological field, 2. changes in cognitive function, 3. changes in the area of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of everyday life and 4. overall perception of quality of life.

Results: From the perspective of family members most deteriorating quality of life of seniors with dementia is the memory loss, which excludes them from normal life, as well as loss of ability to orientation in space and time, and loss of ability to perform normal activities of daily life. The sensory disturbance also reduces the quality of life, which leads patients into a greater social isolation and this may promote the growth of the paranoia. Family members rated the quality of life of their loved ones at home as significantly better in comparison with the quality of life of patients with dementia placed in the home for the elderly. In a domestic environment have seniors more stimulations, are more activated, and are more drawn into the family and social life. After coming into institutional care occurs worsening of symptoms and the gradual removal of patients from activation programs.

Conclusion: An important part of improving the quality of life of patients with dementia is the support from family caregivers; hence the ill can stay as long as possible in its natural environment.

Keywords: quality of life, senior, dementia, institutional care, family caregivers

Published: September 30, 2011  Show citation

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Kršíková T, Bužgová R. Quality of life of patients with dementia from the perspective of family members. Ošetřovatelství a porodní asistence. 2011;2(3):248-256.
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