From home towards the nursing home in dementia : Informal caregivers’ perspectives on why admission happens and what they need

This dissertation explored reasons for admitting people suffering from dementia to nursing homes from the perspective of caregivers. It also studied the needs perceived by caregivers during this process.Caregivers cite reasons for admission predominantly related to the person suffering from dementia including aggression, wandering, an increased need for help and a deterioration in cognitive function. Reasons related to caregivers themselves are cited as well, although to a far lesser extent.Based on the results, it is recommended that healthcare professionals offer caregivers the support they need during the transition process their relatives go through. This means that caregivers should be eligible for receiving care or support after the admission as well. In addition, it is argued that healthcare professionals should listen carefully to caregivers’ opinions rather than decide what they need without asking them first