What Makes Long-Term Home Care Possible for People with Senile Dementia

VernacularTitle:認知症高齢者の長期在宅療養を可能にする条件
Author: Shinji MIYAHARA ; Sachie YAMASHITA ; Takako TSUKAHARA
Publication Type:Journal Article
From:Journal of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine 2011;60(4):507-515
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: This study was designed to explore what would make it possible for old people with moderately severe dementia to receive health care in their homes. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the cases of patients who had been given home care services for more than six months. A total of 97 cases (31 males and 66 female) were enrolled in this multilateral study. Of the total, 60 cases were admitted to facilities six months after the start of home care. As it turned out, the degree of cognitive decline was severer in those who had continued receiving home care than in those institutionalized. Ardent physicians and zealous care managers played a crucial role in sustaining home care services. Also indispensable were able, hardworking caregivers with profound knowledge of nursing care. The availability of nursing care insurance services, especially day services, short stay and regular visits by a physician and a nurse to patients in their homes might be necessary. Given all these things combined, it would be possible for people with moderately severe dementia to receive long-term home care services.