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: Ett underlag för utvärdering av ett projekt som syftar till att stödja relationen mellan personer med demens och deras närstående

Abstract

Background: Dementia is a disease which involves a permanent reduction of cognitive functions. Therefore people with dementia and their relatives need support to cope with problems in the daily life. Aim: The aim was to work with personnel at a day care unit to prepare a basis for a future evaluation of a project which purpose was to provide support in the relationship between people with dementia and their relatives. Method: The study was conducted as participatory action research with a focus group interview and an individual interview. Participants were personnel at the day care unit. Results: The day care unit wished to support the relationship between people with dementia and their relatives. The support was planned to be done at five occasions during five weeks. These five occasions have different themes which are about how the couples could handle the everyday life in a different way. Through these occasions the day care unit has as a goal for example to simplify everyday life for the couples. Discussion: One of the key findings was that people with dementia and their relatives need, both individually and jointly, support in the relationship. Another finding was that the personnel group is of the opinion that life can be facilitated if the couples may take part of other’s experiences. A coordinated assistance between municipalities and county councils can help to provide the best support for people with dementia together with their relatives.