Impact, coping, and Reciprocity: A Phenomenological Study on the Symbiotic Experience of Residents with and without Dementia Co-Living in Taiwan's Long-term Care Facilities

Abstract

Background: In Taiwan, residents with and without dementia mostly co-live in long-term care facilities. However, information on the symbiotic experiences of residents without dementia with behavioral and psychological symptoms of residents with dementia is lacking. This study explored the symbiotic experiences of residents without dementia co-living with those with dementia in long-term care facilities in Taiwan. Methods: This study employed a phenomenological design. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 30 residents without dementia from three long-term care institutions in Taiwan. Colaizzi's data processing steps were used for analysis. Results: Analysis of interview transcripts revealed the experiences of residents who lived with those with dementia were that of a “symbiosis.” Three core themes were found: “the impact of co-living,” “facing difficulties and coping,” and “companionship and reciprocity.” Conclusion: This study showed that residents without dementia may be affected by the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of residents with dementia when they co-live in long-term care facilities. However, there are positive and mutually beneficial interactions between them. By helping people with dementia in their daily lives, residents without dementia feel happy and accomplished and their self-worth is enhanced. By contrast, residents with dementia have more opportunities for social engagement and co-living interactions. These results can guide long-term care facilities without dementia special care units to support residents without dementia, reduce the interference of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of residents with dementia, and promote mutual benefits. However, these findings warrant further investigation.