Development of ‘living well’ concept for the elderly with dementia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Understanding how to support people with dementia living well is an important goal in dementia care. It is necessary to conceptualize a definition of “living well” that is suitable for the elderly with dementia and develop the concept from both the subject and caregiver perspectives. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the concept of 'living well” among elderly people with dementia. Method: Following Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model, this study comprised three phases: theoretical, fieldwork, and final analytical. In the theoretical phase, we reviewed the extant literature. In the fieldwork phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with 12 individuals (five elderly people with dementia, two family members, and five nurses), followed by qualitative content analysis in the final analytical phase, we defined the concept of “living well” by comprehensively analyzing the data from the theoretical stage and the results from the field stage. Results: “Living well” of the elderly with dementia was analyzed using physical, mental, and social relation dimensions. The physical dimensions derived from the final analytic phase were “ability for daily living” and “symptom management.” The mental dimensions were “psychological health,” “psychological stability,” “identity maintenance and growth,” and “human dignity.” Finally, the social relations dimensions were “maintaining social relations and community connectivity” and “national support.” Conclusion: The concept analyzed in this study will form the basis for the development of tools and interventions to improve the suitability of “living well” for elderly people with dementia.