노인전문요양시설과 노인요양시설 치매노인의 환경적 특성과 배회 비교

Abstract

This study was done to compare wandering behavior of persons with dementia (PWDs) living in skilled (SNF) and general (GNF) nursing facilities. Methods: Ambulatory residents (N=160) with dementia were recruited from 6 SNF and 8 GNF and evaluated using the Korean Mini-Mental State Exam (K-MMSE), Korean Physical and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-PIADL)and the Revised Algase Wandering Scale Nursing Home version (KRAWSNH). Demographic and environmental data were obtained from a chart review. Chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare characteristics of residents, environment, and wandering behavior between SNF and GNF residents. Results: Except for use of antipsychotic drugs, there were no differences in demographic, cognitive, or physical characteristics between residents of SNF and GNF. For environmental characteristics, there were significant differences between residents of SNF and GNF for type and color of resident's room and living room, total number of residents and nurses in the facility, and total number of residents in a room. Overall and for six subscales of KRAWS-NH, higher scores were found for residents of GNF. Conclusions: Findings indicate a need to plan and establish nursing facilities that are eco-friendly to PWDs, especially those who exhibit wandering behavior.