Personsentrert omsorg for å redusere utfordrende atferd hos mennesker med demens

Abstract

The subject of this assignment is the following: “What does scientific research say regarding use of Dementia Care Mapping to implement person-centered care?” and “What effect do these methods have on challenging behavior from dementia patients?”

The number of elderly Norwegian citizens is increasing, according to statistics. As a result, there are a growing number of dementia patients in nursing homes. Research shows that the majority of dementia patients experience one or more symptoms of challenging behavior in the span of their lifetime. A number of these symptoms have a ripple effect. While there is no underlying goal this assignment, other than the purpose for which it is written, it is a hope that it helps increase knowledge around methods that can reduce and prevent this type of behavior.

The information gathering for this assignment was done by searching through databases for relevant research information. A focus in this assignment is on whether or not the methods work, and are justifiable to use. A selection of four studies showing different effects from Dementia Care Mapping and person-centered care was gathered. The studies were then compared and discussed in relation to academic literature for the final conclusion to the thesis.

The research shows that person-centered care, in most cases, reduces challenging behavior from dementia patients at hospitals. It also shows that Dementia Care Mapping is a method that can implement it. There are studies that show no documented effect from person- centered care. Still, it is likely that they won’t hinder the use of the method. This is due to the low risk of side effects and complications, and also because the method has such obvious upsides that it doesn’t need scientific research in order to be observed.