J Korean Acad Nurs.  2008 Feb;38(1):29-38. 10.4040/jkan.2008.38.1.29.

Wandering Behavior in Korean Elders with Dementia Residing in Nursing Homes

• Song JA
• Lim YM
• Hong GR

• KMID: 1405636
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.1.29

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study investigated various factors relatied to wandering behavior of Korean elders with dementia (KED). METHODS: A sample of 160 ambulatory residents with dementia from 14 long term care facilities was used to examine demographic, individual, cognitive, physical health, and environmental characteristics by comparing wanderers (N=108) to nonwanders (N=52). Subjects were evaluated by Korean versions of the Mini-mental State Exam (K-MMSE), the Physical and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-PIADL), and the Revised Algase Wandering Scale Nursing Home version (KRAWS-NH) along its six dimensions. Demographic and environmental data were also obtained. Independent sample ttests, Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact tests, and ANCOVAs were used to examine differences between wanderers and nonwanders. RESULTS: Wanderers were significantly (p<.05) older and had more limitations in K-PADL and K-IADL. The degree of overall wandering and certain features of wandering were significantly different (p<.05) by total number of residents in the facility, type of bedroom (i.e., "Ondol"), and color of bedroom and living-room walls (i.e., sky blue). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study may be useful in understanding wandering behavior of KEDs and thus developing more culturally specific management strategies.

Keyword

Wandering; Elders; Dementia; Nursing home; Environment

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Dementia/*psychology
Demography
Female
Homes for the Aged
Humans
Korea
Male
Middle Aged
Nursing Homes
*Wandering Behavior

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