The needs of older persons with early stage dementia from their perspectives : an ethnographic study in northeast Thailand

Nittiya Noysipoom

Abstract

Background: Dementia is a progressive degenerative brain condition commonly affecting older people. The incidence is increasing worldwide. Dementia affects older people in many different ways, impacting on their physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being. In the early stages of dementia the person is able to express their wishes, feelings and needs. It is important to be able to identify needs early so that these can be addressed in order to provide appropriate care to maintain the persons’ longer- term well-being. Research has been conducted on persons with early stage dementia, but less is known about their needs from their own perspective.
Objective: To explore the needs of older persons with early stage dementia living in Northeast, Thailand.
Method: Sixteen older persons with early stage dementia were interviewed using serial ethnographic interviews along with observations to capture the perspectives of older persons with dementia on their needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) combined with Kitwood’s (1997) concept of personhood underpin the study theoretically.
Findings: The route to a dementia diagnosis and receiving support illuminated four main themes relating to the needs of persons with early stage dementia: family is essential, companionship support is necessary, meaningful activities need to be maintained, and the nature of life needs to be accepted. The findings reflect the influence of family values and sociocultural background on participants.
Conclusion: The research showed that each person is unique. In Thailand, the family has a significant influence on the journey of people living with early stage dementia. Understanding the needs of people with early stage dementia is essential to help relevant people plan and provide positive support to older people with dementia to help them live well.

Citation

Nittiya Noysipoom. (2020). The needs of older persons with early stage dementia from their perspectives : an ethnographic study in northeast Thailand. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223018

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 26, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Nursing
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223018
• Additional Information: Department of Nursing Studies, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2020