Family member perception of quality of their visits with relatives with dementia: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the investigation was to identify factors influencing quality of visits with institutionalized patients suffering from dementia.

Study design: Two focus groups of family members of patients residing on a Dementia Special Care Unit.

Setting: Dementia Special Care Unit in a Veterans Administration Hospital.

Participants: Spouses and adult children of institutionalized patients with dementia.

Intervention: During the focus group the family members were asked to identify factors that contribute to the quality of their visits with loved ones suffering from dementia. The group sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data obtained during the sessions were analyzed and specific factors affecting the visiting experience were identified.

Results: Numerous factors affecting the visiting experience were identified and were grouped into personal, interpersonal, and environmental domains.

Conclusions: The presence of visitors in the long-term care setting is very important. Visiting provides a link with the families and communities, and promotes the quality of life for patients with dementia. Satisfying experience during the visits helps the families to enjoy the interaction and promotes their involvement with their institutionalized relatives. Health care providers should make efforts to improve the quality of visits.