Experiences of Participation in Dementia Prevention Program for Older Adults in Nursing Homes

Lim, Sun Ok; Jo, Hyun Mi

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was designed to describe the experiences of dementia prevention program for older adults in nursing homes.
METHODS
Four focus group interviews (FGI) after the program were conducted with 35 participants. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed data were analyzed by Colaizzi's phenomenological method.
RESULTS
Four themes emerged as a result of analysis. Participants without dementia reported "I don't have dementia yet." This statement probably reflects ignoring potential dementia. Motivation for participating the dementia prevention program were to reduce boredom, to enjoy exercising and communicating with others, and to follow group activities. Participants reported the positive effects of the program; (a) benefits from the repeating learned activities; (b) improvements of memory and emotional stability. A few participants reported their inability to follow the program due to physical and environmental limits. However, other participants reported their efforts to overcome physical limits and perform the activities regardless their limits. People who performed the activities with physical limits reported that their self-satisfaction was increased.
CONCLUSION
Results of this study showed that participants without dementia were able to actively participate in dementia prevention programs and showed memory, emotional and behavioral improvements. Therefore, these findings can be used for developing customized dementia prevention programs in nursing homes.