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Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the care burden faced by family caregivers of older adults with dementia who use dementia care centers. Methods: This study investigated the care burden, family caregiver factors, care-recipient factors including behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), depression levels, dementia attitudes, and resilience. Data were collected from March 15 to September 30, 2022. In total, 234 family caregivers using dementia care centers in five districts in Seoul, Korea, participated. Data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis with SPSS/Windows version 27.0. Results: The mean score for care burden was 22.97. The factors influencing the care burden were BPSD (β = .41, p < .001), depression levels (β = .26, p < .001), hours of caregiving (β = .18, p < .001), and resilience (β = -.12, p = .022). The explanatory power of the final model was 46.1% (F = 47.76, p < .001). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the care burden faced by family caregivers. Based on these results, programs for family caregivers should be developed with consideration of BPSD in older adults with dementia. Additionally, interventions that relieve depression and strengthen the resilience of family caregivers should be prioritized. Furthermore, it is essential to extend support systems to accommodate caregivers’ time constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify trends in changes of cognitive function, physical function, depression, and activities of daily living (ADL) among people with dementia who had used day care centers for at least 12 months, through the analysis of data collected from day care center records. Methods: The participants in this descriptive survey were 63 older people with dementia. Data were collected from two dementia day care centers located in Incheon city. General characteristics and disease related characteristics were analyzed in terms of the frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Correlations between major variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. Cognitive function, depression, physical performance, and ADL were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Friedman test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 77.33±6.73 years (range, 58 to 91 years) when they began attending the centers. Cognitive function significantly increased at 3 months (18.63±5.06), 6 months (18.73±5.20), and 12 months (18.63±5.43) compared to baseline (17.41±4.77). Depression significantly decreased at 3 months(2.94±2.96), 6 months (3.13±3.14), and 12 months (2.81±3.27) compared to baseline (5.20±3.87). At 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, the physical function score (respectively 10.19±2.90, 10.33±2.84, 10.11±2.55) increased significantly compared to baseline (9.13±3.01). ADLs decreased at 3 months (8.51±1.92), 6 months (8.67±2.12), and 12 months (8.89±2.19) compared to baseline (8.41±1.88). Conclusion: Without receiving customized day care service for dementia, cognitive function and physical function will decline and depressive feelings will increase. Therefore, delaying cognitive decline, reducing depression, and improving physical function through the use of day care services, especially at an early stage are essential to strengthen and maintain aging in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of self-care on burnout experienced by primary family caregivers of persons with dementia. Methods: The subjects of the study were 156 primary family caregivers of persons with dementia at home in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 24.0 for Windows. Results: The mean scores for self-care and burnout were 42.35 and 61.60, respectively. Self-care, subjective health status, living with a person with dementia, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were significant factors affecting burnout in family caregivers. Self-care was identified as the strongest factor affecting burnout, explaining 13.9% of burnout with controlling factors in caregivers and care receivers. Conclusion: To prevent burnout in primary family caregivers of persons with dementia, self-care of family caregivers should be emphasized. In nursing education, family caregivers should be recognized and approached as nursing clients who are responsible for taking care of their health. In nursing practice and research, digital self-care or self-care improvement intervention programs should be designed to help family caregivers, and further studies on self-care centered on health of family caregivers should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Apathy Evaluation Scale Short Form (K AES-10) for people with dementia. Methods: Participants in this study were 198 patients with dementia resident in two hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The AES-10 was translated into Korean through the translation and adaptation of instruments process developed by the World Health Organization. This process was carried out by three bilingual nursing professionals. Validity and reliability, such as construct validity, convergent validity, Cronbach's α, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability, were evaluated. IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 and AMOS 26.0 programs were used for the data analysis. Results: A uni-dimensional model was proposed in the explanatory factor analysis; a single factor accounted for 68.0% of total variances. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the validity of the Korean version of the AES-10. The scale had a Cronbach's α of .95, inter-rater reliability of .66 (p<.001), and a test-retest reliability of .81 (p<.001). Conclusion: The findings show that the Korean version of the AES-10 is both valid and reliable for measuring apathy among people diagnosed with dementia in the Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to use of restraints for older adults with dementia in long-term care settings. Methods: This study analyzed secondary data from the Nationwide Survey on Dementia Care in Korea (NaSDeCK). Demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, and functional characteristics were analyzed. Data were analyzed with x2 test, t-test, ANOVA, and logistic regression analysis. Results: Among participants, 8.2% experienced use of restraints. 'Strap' (78.3%) was the most commonly used restraint and 'Behavioral problem' (51.3%) was a major reason for the restraint. Persons who have low levels of daily activity and cognition deficits, higher levels of dependence, histories of falls within the past 3 months, and living in long-term hospitals have greater probability of restraint experience. Conclusion: Developing interventions for older adults who have a high risk of being restrained is essential to minimize unnecessary restraint use among older adults with dementia in long-term care settings. Further study exploring the interacting roles of organizational and staff factors related to use of physical restraints would provide more comprehensive perspectives in understanding this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was done to identify the caring competence and job satisfaction of dementia care workers and to analyze contents for effective operation of dementia care centers. The study setting was Seoul and Gangwon-do. Methods: One hundred fifty workers in dementia care centers participated: 80 from Seoul and 70 from Gangwon-do. Caring competences and job satisfaction were measured using questionnaires of 18 and 22 items, respectively. Results: First, there was a difference in dementia caring competence between the locations (t=2.05, p=.042). Workers in Seoul (4.09±0.51) had higher competence than those from Gangwon-do (3.91±0.55). Second, the dementia caring competence of the workers was positively correlated with their job satisfaction (r=.19, p=.023). Finally, based on content analysis, it was expected that a dementia care system supported by the government resulted in effective and systematic control, enhanced professional service, and strengthened accessibility to medical service. Conclusion: It is important to develop better work environments to provide long-term service and to establish various strategies to improve caring competence and job satisfaction of dementia care workers. In addition, operational strategies adapted to local workers where unbalanced health care resources exist should be applied continuously in the operation of nation-wide dementia centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was done to investigate levels of caring behaviors of formal caregivers (FCs) and to identify factors influencing FCs for older adults with dementia living at home. Methods: Research design was a descriptive survey design with convenience sampling. Participants were 139 FCs who cared for older adults with dementia receiving home visiting services in Incheon City, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do and Jeolla-do. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The average score for the FCs' perceived caring behaviors was 3.35±0.48. Among the FCs' caring behavior factors, 'assurance' was scored highest, followed by 'knowledge and skill', 'respectfulness' and 'connectedness'. The mean score for purpose in life was 4.63±0.86 and for good death, 3.22±0.38. Also the FCs' caring behaviors were positively correlated with purpose in life and good death. Good death (β=.53, p<.001), and purpose in life (β=.27, p<.001) significantly influenced the FCs' caring behaviors, accounting for 42.4% of the total variance. Conclusion: Findings imply that FCs' caring behaviors are improved by their having positive perceptions related to purpose in life and good death. Therefore, inclusion of purpose in life and definition of good death in FCs' caring education and management is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since dementia imposes a major burden on society, it has become an urgent and important health issue in countries across the world. The Korean government declared a 'war against dementia' and announced the first national dementia plan in 2008. Dementia counseling centers were implemented at all community health centers, and an early detection program and medical expense support services were initiated to encourage the early diagnosis of dementia. In 2012, the Dementia Management Act was enacted and the second national dementia plan was announced. The second national plan established basic infrastructure, such as a dementia management system at the national, regional, and municipal levels. The previous support system was extended and strengthened by incorporating long-term care services, family support, and early diagnosis and treatment support. The third national plan was designed to effectively reduce the burden of dementia by establishing a user-based, continuous support system with wider community coverage. The plan used the key objectives of dementia policy suggested by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as a framework, and introduced evidence-based planning and quantification of outcomes to promote maximal effectiveness. Although this policy is still in effect and it is difficult to evaluate its final results, some areas require supplementation. A need to minimize 'false positive' dementia has emerged. Postdiagnostic support and specialized treatment for the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are insufficient. Coordination between the health and welfare systems should be improved, and economic support for dementia patients and families should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korea is becoming an aged society at an alarmingly fast rate, which suggests that dementia care may become a major public health problem in Korea. At this point in time, the new policy of national responsibility for dementia care is a well-timed strategy, but it should be assessed based on a careful consideration of several aspects. We must promote a model of dementia care in which all members of society jointly participate. We need to improve the volunteer system in dementia care, and to make various cultural spaces for patients suffering from dementia and their family members. We need to balance financial resources and benefits in cost-reduction plans for dementia treatment. We should implement a careful quality control system for dementia care and educational programs for public dementia care hospitals and nationwide regional dementia centers. These care systems should also incorporate a health policy aiming at primary prevention to reduce the prevalence of dementia in the future. Improving the new policy of national responsibility for dementia care using detailed analyses and systematic approaches will lead to a successful dementia welfare policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that affect quality of life in elderly people with dementia. Methods: The participants for this descriptive correlational study were 97 elderly patients with dementia who were attending a daycare center or were being cared for at home. Data were collected from the participants using the Mini-Mental Status Examination-Dementia Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form), Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale. Results: There were statistically significant differences in quality of life of elders with dementia according to mobility, using dementia day-care center, and cohabitation. In multiple regression analysis, depression, activity of daily of living, using dementia day-care centers and cohabitation were significant predictors of quality of life and the four variables explained 60% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusion: Findings indicate that to enhance the quality of life for elders with dementia, depression needs to be decreased and regular use of daycare service recommended. Further, various programs enhancing physical ability need to be developed and used with these elders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We developed and tested the effects of a coping skill training program for caregivers in feeding difficulty among older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects comprised 34 caregivers (experimental group: 17, control group: 17) and 40 older adults with dementia (experimental group: 20, control group: 20). The developed program was delivered in 4-hour sessions over 6 weeks (including 2 weeks of lectures and lab practice on feeding difficulty coping skills, and 4 weeks of field practice). Data were collected before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after the program (January 3 to April 6, 2016). The data were analyzed using t-test and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS/WIN 20.0. Results: Compared to their counterparts in the control group, caregivers in the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in feeding knowledge and feeding behavior, while older adults with dementia showed greater improvements in feeding difficulty and Body Mass Index. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that this coping skill training program for caregivers in feeding difficulty is an effective intervention for older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors predicting behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in persons with dementia. Factors including the patient, caregiver, and environment based on the multi-dimensional behavioral model were tested. Methods: The subjects of the study were 139 pairs of persons with dementia and their caregivers selected from four geriatric long-term care facilities located in S city, G province, Korea. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, inverse normal transformations, Pearson correlation coefficients, Spearman's correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS Statistics 22.0 for Windows program. Results: Mean score for BPSD was 40.16. Depression (β=.42, p<.001), exposure to noise in the evening noise (β=-.20, p=.014), and gender (β=.17, p=.042) were factors predicting BPSD in long-term care facilities, which explained 25.2% of the variance in the model. Conclusion: To decrease BPSD in persons with dementia, integrated nursing interventions should consider factors of the patient, caregiver, and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to understand and describe the caring experiences of spouses of elderly people with dementia. Methods: The hermeneutic phenomenological method was used and participants were 12 spouses aged 65 and over who were taking care of their husbands or wives with dementia at home. Data were collected from individual in-depth interviews on participants’ actual caring experiences. Additionally, novels, movies, and memoirs on elderly couples with partner who had dementia were included as data for the analysis. The qualitative data analysis software program was used to manage and process the collected qualitative data. Data were analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis based on four fundamental existentials including lived body, lived space, lived time, and lived others. Results: Five essential themes emerged from the analysis: 1) body moving like an old machine, 2) swamp of despair filling with hope, 3) sweet time after bitterness, 4) disappointed elderly couple in the empty nest, and 5) unappreciation vs. empathetic feelings. These essential themes were comprehensively summarized as “the road leading to the maturation of life with dedication and hope while bearing the weight of caring based on the couple’s relationship.” Conclusion: The findings indicate that the nature of the caring experience of spouses of elderly individuals with dementia is filled with many dynamic and paradoxical dimensions. Thus, results of the study would help with developing interventions tailored specifically for elderly spouse caregivers to support their role adaptation and ultimately improving their quality of life [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing caregiving satisfaction among family caregivers of patients with dementia living at home. Methods: Participants in this study were 355 family caregivers who were registered at the Seoul Metropolitan Center for Dementia. For the purpose of this study, data from a large community dementia survey were used for secondary analysis. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Family caregivers showed moderate caregiving satisfaction. The main factors influencing caregiving satisfaction were family caregiver's age, informal support, relationship to patient, living arrangement, and patient's years of education. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that systemic strategies need to be developed to enhance family caregivers' caregiving satisfaction based on various caregiving contexts. The interactive relationship of caregiving satisfaction and burden also need to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of dementia knowledge, burden from behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and empathy in the caring behavior of certified caregivers in nursing homes. Methods: The participants in this study were 203 caregivers who worked in 15 institutions. They were selected by quota sampling from 177 nursing homes in Jeollanam-do. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test or ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Knowledge about dementia actually did not influence caring behavior (β=-.10, p=.197), but empathy towards elderly people (β=.23, p=.004) and the burden of BPSD (β=.16, p=.032) was found to have a positive influence on caring behaviors. Conclusion: The findings show that the factors that influence caring behaviors were empathy and the burden of BPSD and empathy was the most influential factor. Thus, there is a need to develop arbitration programs and include in the programs a caregiver curriculum directed at raising the level of empathy in caregivers. Also, continuous education to enable quick and accurate detection of BPSD and on how to handle it is crucial for caregivers in this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]