This study is a cooperative study between the Faculty of Nursing and the Faculty of Health, Oslo University College and Oslo University hospital
Background
Today there are about 70.000 people in Norway suffering from dementia (Statistics Norway 2009). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common degenerative dementia disease. However, front temporal dementia (FTD) constitutes about 20% of diagnosed dementia. FTD strikes people between their fifties and seventies, causing symptoms like changes in their behaviour or personality. Changed behavior can lead to aggressive and violent behaviour. Patients with FTD are a vulnerable group and behaviour like this is big challenge for family members and caregivers. Because of the patient’s need for care and the recognition by the government that care - service must improve, it is important to acquire knowledge about the kind of care the patients need.
Because of the patient’s extensive cognitive weakness it is difficult for the patients themselves to provide information about their care needs. Family members who know the patient and his/her care needs may be able to provide this information.
The aim of the study
1) To bring knowledge about the family’s perspective on the quality of care and attention paid to the patient’s dignity.
2) To survey activities in the environment in order to improve the patient’s and family member’s dignity.
3) To develop a preliminary theory model of dignified care for patients with FTD and their families.
The project is funded by Oslo University College.