Day Care for People with Dementia: A Qualitative Study Comparing Experiences from Norway and Scotland

Abstract

Potential benefits from day care attendance are reported in the literature for both people with dementia and caregivers, although the evidence-base is limited. The study aimed to explore and compare experiences of day care services for people with dementia as described by day care attendees and their caregivers in Norway and Scotland. Whereas day care receives prominence in Norway's national plan, Scotland does not highlight day care in its national dementia strategy. A qualitative cross-national comparative study was undertaken. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 people with dementia and 17 caregivers in Norway, and 19 people with dementia and 15 caregivers in Scotland. Data were analyzed thematically and comparatively to explore the experiences and outcomes of the participants.Findings indicate positive outcomes from day care for both people with dementia and caregivers. Satisfaction with services related to meaningful activities, getting out of the home, strengthening social connections and careful staff facilitation to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. There were strong similarities in the content of services and experiences reported in the two countries. Some minor differences were noted, with caregiver support being an area of notable divergence in experiences.Specialist day care for people with dementia seems to provide important support and positive outcomes for people with dementia, and respite and reassurance for their caregivers. More research is needed to further explore the effect of day care designed for people with dementia both on the attendees and their caregivers.

Farm-based day care in Norway – a complementary service for people with dementia

“…This is in accordance with other studies describing the meaning of the social interaction that is taking place during a meal. 9 , 24 , 45 In a systematic meta-synthesis from 2016, Eriksen et al found that it is of importance for people with dementia to meet others in the same situation to feel equality, comfort, and safety. 46 …”

“…4 These services should also serve as a respite for family caregivers, and it is claimed that such services may delay nursing home placement. 4 , 7 – 9 A recent Norwegian study found higher self-reported quality of life among people with dementia attending day care services compared to those not receiving day care. 10 By 2020, all Norwegian municipalities will be obliged to offer day care to people with dementia.…”

“…However, recent Norwegian qualitative studies found that attending RDC services contributed to the maintenance of structure, social stimulation, and activities in everyday life. 9 , 24 The participants highlighted the importance of good meals together with others and the opportunity to go for a walk. They also underlined the possibility to choose whether they wanted to join an activity or not.…”

Geographic availability and accessibility of day care services for people with dementia in Ireland

“…Day care for older people can be defined in different ways; a 'social model' where centres aim to provide socialisation and activities and a 'medical model' where health services and rehabilitation are provided (5). Overall, people with dementia who attend day care services typically express high degrees of satisfaction (6)(7)(8). Attending a day care centre provides the opportunity for social interaction and a sense of structure and routine (9,10), and day care has been shown to provide people with dementia with a range of benefits.…”

“…Attending a day care centre provides the opportunity for social interaction and a sense of structure and routine (9,10), and day care has been shown to provide people with dementia with a range of benefits. These include: increased wellbeing (7,11); better sleeping habits (11,12); reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms and use of psychotropic drugs (12,13); and, reduced family carer stress (14,15). Having access to day care can also improve the relationship between the carer and the person with dementia by providing time apart and facilitating employment (5).…”