Emotional Safety in the Context of Dementia: A Multiperspective Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Current research acknowledges the relevance of the emotional safety of people living with dementia. However, available evidence regarding this topic is limited. A comprehensive view of this topic that equally considers the perspectives of people living in an early stage of dementia, relatives, and public stakeholders is lacking. Objective: This study aimed to obtain a multiperspective view of emotional safety in the context of dementia in the living environment. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted based on data collected through semi-structured guided interviews (n = 14), focus groups (n = 3), guided feedback, and participatory approaches. People living in an early stage of dementia (N = 6), relatives of people living with dementia (N = 11), and public stakeholders (N = 15) were included. Results: Considering “social togetherness”, “personal condition”, “health”, “physical environment”, and “society” in the light of “living and learning in relations” are preconditions for understanding emotional safety in the context of dementia. “Living and learning in relations” refers to the interaction of people in the context of dementia and relations to the topic of dementia. The focus lies on the (collective) learning. The individuality of each person and his or her situation is central, related to dementia-related, psychosocial, biographical, physical, and economic factors. Conclusion: Our study highlights the relevance of research on emotional safety in the context of dementia. Approaches to improving the emotional safety of people living in an early stage of dementia should consider the complex situations of each target group in relation to each other at the micro, meso, and macro levels.