L’istituzionalizzazione della persona affetta da demenza: una ricerca qualitativa sull’esperienza decisionale del caregiver informale
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: AIM AND OBJECTIVES: analyze the reasons that led the informal caregiver of a person with dementia to the choice of institutionalization, the impact of this decision on the carer and the usefulness of any professional support interventions during this delicate phase. BACKGROUND: The increase in life expectancy is causing a rapid numerical growth of the elderly population, with an associated increase in the prevalence of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. The decline in cognitive functions and the inevitable impact of dementia on the quality of life also have serious effects on the family and on the informal caregiver with the consequent need for institutionalization in nursing homes (RSA). METHOD: the survey was conducted in four nursing homes in Val Camonica (BS), 25 caregivers who met the criteria for inclusion in the study were interviewed. Qualitative research was implemented, a semi-structured interview was used as a tool. RESULTS: Among the main causes of this decision were the worsening of the cognitive deficit, the appearance of behavioral disorders of the person with dementia and consequent high levels of psychological stress on the caregiver in addition to the significant impact of the disease on the quality of life for the family unit and in the social context. The existence of professional interventions to support the caregiver appears to be little known among the study participants and therefore scarcely relevant to the well-being of both the informal assistant and the person with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: It is important that health professionals provide both practical and psychological support to caregivers both during home care and in the transition to institutional care. This should be delivered by multiple professionals who work as a team for a multidisciplinary assessment. KEYWORDS: Dementia, Caregiver, Institutionalization
Source: PROFESSIONI INFERMIERISTICHE
Language: Italian
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7217398204