| Abstract [eng] |
Today, one of the most striking phenomena is the increase in the number of elderly people and the ageing of the population. M. G. Kordušienė (2013) emphasises: “The ageing of the population is undoubtedly creating a radically new economic and social context” (Kordušienė, 2013, p. 22). As the population ages, senile mental disorders, including dementia, which is characterized by senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other diseases that interfere with the independent functioning of the sick, their daily activities and cognitive functions, are increasingly encountered. The Commission of the European Communities (2009) emphasises that 'Dementias are a group of neurodegenerative diseases and are not simply part of the normal ageing process' (Commission of the European Communities, 2009, p. 2). According to Alzheimer's Disease International (2021), nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed worldwide each year or every three seconds as a result of a new dementia case. Various studies show that this number may double, rising to 82 million people with dementia worldwide by 2030 and to 152 million by 2050 (WHO, 2020). When analyzing the quality of life of people with dementia, scientists say that people with dementia are greatly affected by the social and physical environment around them. In order to improve the quality of life of people with dementia, social workers use unconventional methods of social work aimed at reducing or delaying the causes of the disease, thus ensuring the needs of the residents of care homes. Recent research shows that the physical environment of people with dementia, along with therapeutic activities, is inextricably linked to a better quality of life (Hons, 2016). However, research conducted in Lithuania reveals that the environment for people with dementia is not adapted, emphasizes S. Potapovienė (2008), who also highlights that health and social care services are not specialized for people with dementia, because the environment of care institutions and nursing units is not sufficiently adapted to the needs of people with dementia. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of the environment on the quality of life of people with dementia in the context of care homes. Research objectives: 1. Discuss the concept of ageing and the need for care homes for people with intellectual disabilities in today's perspective. 2. To reveal the theoretical characteristics of social care and the areas of services for people with dementia. 3. To investigate the influence of the environment on the quality of life of people with dementia in long-term social care institutions by the experience of employees. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature, qualitative research with semi-structured interview method , qualitative content analysis. Research results. The results of qualitative research, after analyzing the interview data, revealed that the influence of the environment on people with dementia is constructed through the image created by the social worker and his functions in the institution and through the relationship of the person with dementia with people. It has been revealed that the quality of life of people with dementia in a care institution is influenced by the ratio of family members and employees providing services to the person with dementia. When organizing social work activities in care homes, social workers try to maintain and establish relationships with elderly people with dementia and respond to the needs of the residents of care homes. Establishing a relationship between a person with dementia and an employee shapes the image of a safe environment. Analysing the polarity of feelings of relationships with people, it becomes clear that the people with dementia lack the attention of relatives, feel lonely and unnecessary. The study showed that the staff working in the care home are the support and the comfort for the elderly, they feel support and trust. Based on scientific literature and research, it can be accepted that establishing a relationship with a person with dementia can be associated with an environment of conduct that influences cognition. The results of the study show the influence of the care home environment on the quality of life of a person with dementia. The environment of the care home in Ireland meets the necessary hygiene requirements, and all conditions are favourable for people with disabilities. The study reveals that the aim of care in Ireland is to create an environment that is close to the home environment, as well as to make every resident of the care home feel at home, doing everyday tasks, having the opportunity to have fun, go shopping. In the care facility there is a cafe – a bar, where residents can go when they want to, as well as a beauty salon and a shop. The aim is that the environment of the care home would respond to the individual needs of the residents. In order to ensure the spiritual peace of the inhabitants, the inhabitants go to the chapel and listen to the mass every day. The experiences participants of the survey show that the Irish care home is portrayed as the last home to respond to the needs of the residents. The results of the study analysis indicate that a positive, safe home environment has an impact on the quality of life of people with dementia. The residents of the care home are provided with conditions that meet their needs and enable the client to make positive changes. Self-sufficiency skills are developed to people with dementia in care homes when they get access to services. The analysis of the study showed that the influence of COVID-19 on the quality of life of individuals with dementia had a negative impact on their psycho-emotional health and the availability of services. The study found that although the needs of the residents of the care home did not change during the pandemic period, the situation resulted in the suspension of the life of the residents, restrictions occurred, there were changes in the psycho-emotional health of the residents, as well as disruption of the normal daily regime and the availability of the services provided. Discontinued contact with relatives influenced the psycho-emotional health of the care home residents. Social isolation, broken connections, impaired psycho-emotional health cause negative emotions for people with dementia that affect their internal harmony. The results of the study revealed the impact of services provided at a care home in Ireland on the environment of its residents. Formal and informal social services provided in care homes. The results of the study reflect the need for nursing care provided to clients with dementia, which requires constant care. The research revealed that residents have the opportunity to participate in socio-cultural activities, social and working skills of residents are being developed in daily activities. Wellness, active and passive leisure services are provided to residents of the care home and residents have access to various types of therapies. The results of the study reflect the benefits of therapies, which affect the population's environment, as each therapy is carried out in a different environment, and the purpose of each therapy is to channel the negative, anxious thoughts of the population with dementia. Art, music, dog, colour and artistic therapies are carried out in care homes, and sensory rooms are available. Residents realize their abilities during artistic therapy, and when they participate in different therapeutic activities, they relax. Therapeutic activities in the care home provide reassurance to people with dementia, safety and confidence. They adapt more easily, they do not feel isolated from the outside world. |
