Karen Smith1, Susan Gee2, Tal Sharrock3, Matthew Croucher2. 1. Psychiatric Service for the Elderly, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand. k.smith@auckland.ac.nz. 2. Psychiatric Service for the Elderly, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand. 3. Summer Student Programme, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Abstract
AIM: Christchurch, New Zealand has a unique opportunity to potentially rebuild as a dementia-friendly city in the wake of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The present study gathered insights from people with dementia about what would make it possible for them to live better in Christchurch. METHODS: Twenty-six older people living with dementia were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Interviews were transcribed for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants talked about the importance of being connected and engaged; of accommodation from service providers and others in the community and raising awareness of dementia, and attributes of the physical environment requiring consideration in the rebuild. CONCLUSION: The themes that emerged about what people with dementia seek from dementia-friendly communities reinforce previous research, but with an overlay of the difficulties of living in an earthquake-damaged city.
AIM: Christchurch, New Zealand has a unique opportunity to potentially rebuild as a dementia-friendly city in the wake of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The present study gathered insights from people with dementia about what would make it possible for them to live better in Christchurch. METHODS: Twenty-six older people living with dementia were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Interviews were transcribed for thematic analysis. RESULTS:Participants talked about the importance of being connected and engaged; of accommodation from service providers and others in the community and raising awareness of dementia, and attributes of the physical environment requiring consideration in the rebuild. CONCLUSION: The themes that emerged about what people with dementia seek from dementia-friendly communities reinforce previous research, but with an overlay of the difficulties of living in an earthquake-damaged city.
Authors: Marjolein Thijssen; Ramon Daniels; Monique Lexis; Rianne Jansens; José Peeters; Neil Chadborn; Maria W G Nijhuis-van der Sanden; Wietske Kuijer-Siebelink; Maud Graff Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2021-12-06 Impact factor: 3.850