Mayo Chantel D, Kenny Rebecca, Scarapicchia Vanessa, Ohlhauser Lisa, Syme Robin, Gawryluk Jodie R
Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, BC, Canada.
Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, BC, Canada.
Can Geriatr J. 2021 Jun 1;24(2):138-143. doi: 10.5770/cgj.24.456. eCollection 2021 Jun.
An emergent concern related to the aging and the increased risk of cognitive decline is the institutionalization of older adults. Evidence has shown that aging in place leads to many benefits, including higher quality of life. In order to support older adults, it is imperative that we understand the challenges people with changes in cognition face while aging in place.
A total of sixteen older adults with self-reported cognitive decline and six informal caregivers of individuals reporting cognitive decline, all of whom are living in independent residences, participated. Focus group sessions with semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by thematic qualitative data analyses.
Thematic analyses led to the identification of six challenges to aging in place, including: 1) memory decline, 2) emotional challenges/low mood, 3) social isolation/loneliness, 4) difficulty with mobility and physical tasks, 5) difficulties with activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living, and 6) lack of educational resources on cognitive change.
The themes identified in the current study represent common challenges in aging in place for older adults with self-reported cognitive decline. Identification of these themes allows for important next steps, which can focus on supports through targeted interventions.
与老龄化及认知能力下降风险增加相关的一个紧迫问题是老年人的机构化。有证据表明，居家养老有诸多益处，包括更高的生活质量。为了支持老年人，我们必须了解认知能力发生变化的人在居家养老时所面临的挑战。
共有16名自我报告有认知能力下降的老年人以及6名报告有认知能力下降者的非正式照料者参与了研究，他们均居住在独立住宅中。开展了带有半结构化访谈的焦点小组会议，随后进行了主题定性数据分析。
主题分析确定了居家养老面临的六个挑战，包括：1）记忆力下降，2）情绪挑战/情绪低落，3）社会孤立/孤独感，4）行动和身体任务困难，5）日常生活活动/工具性日常生活活动困难，6）缺乏关于认知变化的教育资源。
本研究确定的主题代表了自我报告有认知能力下降的老年人在居家养老时面临的常见挑战。确定这些主题有助于采取重要的后续措施，这些措施可侧重于通过有针对性的干预提供支持。
