Growing old entails an increased risk of disabilities and illnesses such as dementia. The orientation in Sweden on national level is that individuals remain in their own homes if desired and receive person-centred home care. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of an educational program and its influence on daily provision of care to persons with dementia. A lifeworld approach was used. Data were collected through group interviews with care providers in the context of home. The findings are presented in five themes: Increased knowledge about dementia and treatment, Relationship-building in order to provide good care, Open and flexible approach conveys calm, Continuity and flexibility are cornerstones in the care and Perceived improvements. This person-centred educational intervention resulted in a care that was based on each individual’s personality, preferences and priorities in life. Education given with continuity over time is key to improving provision of care to person with dementia.
The number of persons with dementia who lives at home for a longer period of time after diagnosis is increasing. Even if the literature in the dementia field is growing, there is a need for more knowledge about everyday life of persons with a dementia disease; particularly the lived perspective of persons who live alone. The aim of this study was to elucidate the phenomenon of living alone with dementia and having a manifest care need. This phenomenological study was carried out from a reflective lifeworld approach. The data material in the study consisted of field notes from 32 visits and transcriptions from 11 tape-recorded conversations with six participants. The results reveal that the person with dementia who lives alone ends up in a vague existence where they cannot survive alone. The person’s level of activity comes to a halt and body movement becomes slower. Daily life becomes more difficult to manage and the person’s earlier natural way of relating to the world and the people around them is gradually lost. This is followed by a loneliness and forgetfulness that cloud the meaning of life. This study highlights the importance of the patient’s perspective needed to better understand the inner life of a person who suffers from dementia. This understanding is important in the organization of help and care as well as for caregivers to better understand these individuals and their needs.