The experience of people with dementia in a social care group: case study

In Germany hourly care for people with dementia and relief for family caregivers are often delivered through social care groups. The existing literature describes these groups from the perspective of professionals or family caregivers, with little involvement of people with dementia. This qualitative study is the first step in exploring the experiences of people with dementia in social care groups. Five persons suffering from dementia in one group were interviewed and additionally observed with DCM in three group sessions. The interview transcripts were coded open and axial according to Grounded Theory. The DCM data was analysed descriptive. The main phenomena in the interviews are 'familiar community' and 'personal meaning'. The DCM results show that people with lower cognitive function are excluded from most activities, whereas more staff attention causes better well-being. To create a 'familiar community' in a social care group, staff skills and knowledge are required.