Effects of Dementia Elerly and Caregivers on the Use of the Dementia Day Care Center

초록

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cognitive and physical functions of the demented elderly on the multi program provided by the dementia day care center and to investigate the satisfaction of caregivers. Methods: The subjects of the study were 26 demented elderly people who started using the dementia day care center in Incheon and caregivers of the elderly. Data were collected from the elderly at the beginning of the first visit and 3 months later using the Mini-Mental Status Examination-Dementia Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form), and the Short Physical Performance Battery. For the caregivers, satisfaction with the use of the center questionnaire was measured. Descriptive analysis, and paired t-test were used for data analysis. Results: The MMSE-DS score at the time of using the center and 3 months later was 17.9 and 18.12, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two points (t=1.54, p=.136). Depression scores were 4.73 and 2.42, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two time points (t=-3.24, p=.003). The mean scores of physical performance were 10.27 and 11.46, respectively, and these changes were statistically significant (t=3.27, p=.003). Family satisfaction score according to use of dementia day care center was ‘more satisfaction than before’ 210(62%), ‘no change’ 113(34%), ‘less satisfaction than before’ 15(4%). Conclusions: After 3 months of using the center, it was decreased depression and increased physical functioning. Also, caregivers were found to be relatively satisfied with the use of the center. Therefore, it is necessary to activate the use of the day care center to improve the function of the elderly with dementia and to reduce the burden of caregiver.