Kinless Older Adults with Dementia: Understanding Their Needs
Author Information
Author(s): Taylor Janelle, Gray Marlaine Figueroa, Freitag Callie, Kariya Hitomi, Crane Paul, Vig Elizabeth, Berridge Clara, Larson Eric
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
What are the circumstances and needs of older adults who are kinless when they develop dementia?
Conclusion
The study found that 8.4% of older adults diagnosed with dementia had no living spouse or children at the time of diagnosis, highlighting the need for nonfamily caregiving support.
Supporting Evidence
- 8.4% of older adults diagnosed with dementia were kinless at dementia onset.
- Half of the kinless participants lived alone.
- One third of the kinless participants lived with unrelated persons.
- Four themes were identified regarding their circumstances and needs.
Takeaway
Some older people with dementia don't have family to help them, so it's important to find other ways to support them.
Methodology
Qualitative analysis of administrative documents from the Adult Changes in Thought study.
Limitations
The study is based on a secondary analysis of existing data, which may limit the depth of insights.
Participant Demographics
Participants had an average age of 87 years, with half living alone and one third living with unrelated persons.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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