The transition of care from farm-based daycare for people with dementia: The perspective of next of kin.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to explore the next of kin's experiences with the transition for people with dementia from a farm-based daycare (FDC) to another service in the municipality. METHODS: The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Eight semi-structured interviews with next of kin were conducted. The data were analysed in accordance with content analysis. RESULTS: Through the analysis three main categories were developed: (1) Bearing the burden, (2) Being in transition, and (3) Feeling supported. The transition period was highly stressful for next of kin due to the exacerbation of their relatives' dementia symptoms. The next of kin focussed on optimizing the everyday lives of their relatives with dementia, even at the expense of their own well-being. Most participants experienced support from FDC, healthcare services and their informal network. CONCLUSIONS: The study contributes important insights into the next of kin's experiences. Good quality service, close dialog, information, and support between the different part in the transition process, can be useful for the further development of services with good quality and to reduce the negative effects of care on next of kin.

Being sheltered from a demanding everyday life: experiences of the next of kin to people with dementia attending farm-based daycare.

PURPOSE: Farm-based daycare (FDC) is a type of daycare service for people with dementia. The aim of the present study was to explore the next of kin's experiences with FDC and how the service may affect their daily life. METHODS: The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Eight semi-structured interviews with next of kin were conducted. The data were analysed in accordance with content analysis. RESULTS: We identified three main categories: (1) I am fine when you are fine, (2) Significant aspects of the service at the farm, and (3) FDC as a part of the dementia trajectory. The findings were summarized in one overarching, latent theme: "Being sheltered from a demanding everyday life". CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that next of kin's experience of respite is closely connected to the well-being of their relatives at the FDC and the quality of the service. FDC provides significant support through a part of the trajectory of dementia. Despite experiencing respite and support, next of kin continue to struggle with ethical and moral decisions about the futures of their relatives with dementia.

Characteristics, Burden of Care and Quality of Life of Next of Kin of People with Dementia Attending Farm-Based Day Care in Norway: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Caring for people with dementia is often associated with burden of care and may influence the quality of life of the next of kin. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the next of kin to people with dementia attending farm-based day care service (FDC) and identify characteristics associated with burden of care and quality of life (QoL) of next of kin. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Ninety-four dyads of people with dementia and their next of kin were included from 25 FDCs in Norway in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The Relative Stress Scale (RSS) and the QoL-Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QoL-AD) were used as outcomes measures. RESULTS: The participants consisted of those who lived with a person with dementia (spouse/partner, 62%) and those who did not (children), with significant differences in age, education level, work employment, perceived social support, depression symptoms, burden of care, and QoL. In multiple regression models, RSS and QoL were associated with living with the person with dementia, anxiety symptoms and perceived social support. In addition, RSS was associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in the people with dementia. CONCLUSION: Our findings underline the importance of obtaining knowledge about the next of kin's burden of care and QoL, of people with dementia attending an FDC. This knowledge is essential for those responsible for providing the best possible services for the next of kin and for developing targeted interventions to support the next of kin.

Farm-based day care services - a prospective study protocol on health benefits for people with dementia and next of kin.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing number of people with dementia will place a considerable challenge on the health care system and will necessitate innovation and new solutions. Day care services aim to provide meaningful activities and coping experiences for the target group. The aim of the present study is to explore the experience and potential health benefits for people with dementia attending farm-based day care services in Norway and their next of kin. METHODS AND DESIGN: The present study is a prospective study organized into several qualitative and quantitative sub-studies. Study period will last from 2016-2020. We use a multi-method approach and both an empirical and a constructivist view on knowledge to explore this multi-facetted phenomenon. DISCUSSION: Several challenges are expected, for instance, the ability to include participants with dementia and keep them within the study for the whole study period. The functioning level of participants regarding language and understanding could challenge their ability to answer. Despite having several limitations, we believe that this study with its different approaches and methods will add important knowledge to the field. Knowledge from our study could be essential for creating day care services of good quality for people with dementia and such services could reduce the burden of care for their next of kin.