What Women With Dementia Who Receive Home Care Services Consider Important in Daily Life: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION

Most people with dementia in Norway live at home, and maintaining physical, social and spiritual activity remains a basic need. Yet research has focused on women as caregivers rather than women living with dementia. Consequently, more knowledge is needed into what women receiving home care service consider important in daily life to tailor health care services and to understand how these women experience participating in activities.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe what women with dementia who receive home care service consider important in their daily lives.

METHODS

This study employed an exploratory-descriptive design. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews with eight older women with dementia with mild to moderate cognitive impairment who received home care service. Data were analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

The data analysis identified three categories: The need to be physically active and spend time outdoors, The need to staying socially connected and The need for meaningful activities.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insight into what women with dementia who receive home care service consider important in their daily lives. The need for meaning in daily life can be met in different ways, and it is important to tailor activities for women with dementia.