The transition of care from farm-based daycare for people with dementia: The perspective of next of kin.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to explore the next of kin's experiences with the transition for people with dementia from a farm-based daycare (FDC) to another service in the municipality.

Methods: The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Eight semi-structured interviews with next of kin were conducted. The data were analysed in accordance with content analysis.

Results: Through the analysis three main categories were developed: (1) Bearing the burden, (2) Being in transition, and (3) Feeling supported. The transition period was highly stressful for next of kin due to the exacerbation of their relatives' dementia symptoms. The next of kin focussed on optimizing the everyday lives of their relatives with dementia, even at the expense of their own well-being. Most participants experienced support from FDC, healthcare services and their informal network.

Conclusions: The study contributes important insights into the next of kin's experiences. Good quality service, close dialog, information, and support between the different part in the transition process, can be useful for the further development of services with good quality and to reduce the negative effects of care on next of kin.