Concept

Concept definition

Variation

Assessing and caring for physical symptoms

Assessing or preventing symptoms common to elderly people, such as loss of hearing, cataracts, constipation and dehydration, and providing treatment to prevent exacerbation of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

I form separate contracts with nine different people. Because the contents of these contracts change rapidly, it is difficult to continuously renew them. This is because many people also verbally complain of feeling unwell. (5)

Developing a comfortable environment

Creating an environment where elderly people with dementia can engage in physically memorized patterned behaviors, spend time with like-minded companions, have someone to listen to them at any time, and enjoy a seating arrangement that protects them from censure from those around them.

Sitting in the same location is the development of a behavioral pattern and repeating the same thing prevents confusion. Perhaps it allows people to feel peace of mind. I believe that people can feel assured when something is easy to remember or physically memorized. (13)

Developing an environment tailored to the functioning and lifestyle rhythm of each person

Providing support tailored to the changing functioning and lifestyle rhythm of each person resulting from aging and dementia without compulsion.

Which spoon should be chosen? Which chopsticks should be chosen? The right spoon, chopsticks, and cup are different for each person. […] I choose things like the spoon and chopsticks that are easiest for that person to hold and the cup that is easiest to drink out of. (1)

Sharing information from each perspective without making assumptions

Sharing and comprehensively viewing information on a person from various perspectives, including one’s own perspective, the family’s perspective, and the staff’s perspective, without making assumptions regarding the person from a single viewpoint.

I try not to make assumptions. I ask someone else from my team to take a look because I believe that other staffs see things that I cannot. There are also scenes that are not shown to me, so teamwork is indeed important. (20)

Valuing each person’s personal space in interactions

Not encroaching on the space of people who value their own space and time without permission.

Because I must not place myself in this person’s shoes, I draw a clear line in my contact with them. Just because their dementia has advanced does not mean that they cannot say “excuse me” when they knock on a door and enter a room without hearing an answer. (14)