Caring for older adults with dementia -focused on therapeutic environment-

치매환자 돌봄 전략에 관한 일 고찰

Even though enormous governmental expenses and scientists' efforts to find out definite causes and treatment methods of senile dementia have been investigated, little has been known in this area. Along with knowledge development of the etiology and treatment of the dementia, researchers have started to focus on improving the quality of life of the older adults with dementia through psychosocial intervention. This study was designed to propose a theoretical framework for establishing therapeutic environment for the older adults with dementia and for developing principles and strategies of caring. The results of this study were expected to help family members of the older adults with dementia to understand behavioral problems of the demented persons. The results can be utilized for health professionals to provide nursing interventions to reduce family caregivers' burden and to improve the quality of life of the older adults with dementia and their family. Caring principles developed from this study were as follows: 1. To minimize the stressors that can stimulate older adults with dementia. 2. To assess demented person's needs for safety and provide intervention based on the assessment. 3. To provide therapeutic environment for older adults with dementia to reduce confusion and to improve orientation. 4. To organize simple regular daily activities that older adults can anticipate. 5. To enhance demented person's self-esteem and self-confidence by providing supportive care. 6. To promote social interaction of the older adults with dementia by utilizing adequate activity programs.