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

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.

Qualitative case study on the disability acceptance experiences of soldiers with disabilities

“…Persons with disabilities were found to accept their disabilities after witnessing other persons with disabilities maintaining a positive outlook on life or by gaining self-control by pursuing sports activities within their capacity range to address the physical constraints caused by their disabilities (Lim & Han, 2004 ). The participants in this study followed such strategies as well.…”