Cognitive Function, Physical Function, Problematic Behaviors of Elders using Dementia Daycare Service and Reasons for Stopping Daycare

Kim, Hwasoon; Lee, Young Whee

Abstract

PURPOSE
Purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate cognitive function, physical function, and problematic behaviors of elders who attended dementia daycare centers, and to identify reasons why they stopped using the center.
METHODS
Participants were 176 elders, 60 years or over, attending one of four dementia daycare centers in Incheon. Data were collected from center documents.
RESULTS
Mean age was 80.5 years. When admitted to the centers mean scores for the mini-mental status examination, activity of daily living, and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) were 12.31, 9.53, and 25.09 respectively. Participants received day care service for an average of 17.98 months. The reasons for leaving the center were worsening dementia and health (40.2%), and problematic behaviors (20.1%).
CONCLUSION
Results show that elders began to use day care services when their cognitive function and IADL had declined considerably. As the ultimate goal of dementia daycare service is to delay the worsening of cognitive capability and decreases in activities daily living, the effect of the service can be maximized when the service is provided as early as possible in the course of progressively severe dementia. Active promotion should be exerted in the community to encourage early use of this service.