Important aspects of home care service: An interview study of persons with dementia

Because of the policy of 'ageing in place' and a decreasing number of beds in residential settings, more persons with dementia live at home with support from home care services. However, previous studies have revealed more unmet needs and a lower quality of life in this group than in other groups. Because few qualitative studies are performed in which persons with dementia have the opportunity to tell their own stories and describe what they find important, this study aimed to interview persons with dementia and describe their views on the important aspects of receiving home care service.

The study used a qualitative approach, and 14 persons with dementia participated in the interviews. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

The findings revealed one overarching theme. The importance of being supported as a unique and capable human, that is the persons with dementia stated that despite their dementia diagnoses, it was important to be seen as a person with capabilities, although in need of support. This theme was built on three subthemes: being seen as a person, being informed and involved, and being part of a relationship.

Our study showed that persons with dementia are able to express, formulate and reflect on their needs and preferences about their daily care as well as what is important to them when receiving home care service. Therefore, their point of view should be taken into consideration when planning, providing and evaluating care.