ABSTRACT

Objective : This study was conducted to investigate the common symptoms occurring inelderly community dwellers with dementia, along with an assessment of their caregivers' burden and the need for home-based occupational therapy. Methods : Survey interviews were conducted on 120 patients who visited theSeoul Dementia Center from April 15th, 2010, to May 15th, 2010. In total, 104 questionnaires were returned, but 15 were incomplete and excluded from further analysis. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, a t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis using SPSS 17.0. Results : Caregiver requirements for a program that builds skills for living in a community home, a leisure program, and a caregiver education program significantly increased with clinical dementia rating score (p<.01). The need for leisure programs and caregiver educational program also significantly increased with behavioral disturbance scores based on the Revised-Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (p<.01). The need for activities in daily living programs and assistance with behavioral problems significantly increased with caregiver burden (p<.01). Conclusion : This study ascertained the need for home-based occupational therapy for elderly community dwellers with dementia, and described what needs to be contained in a home-based program to reduce caregiver burden and increase the coping skills of those living in a community home environment.