Examination of Advanced Care Planning Preparation Support For Older Adults With Dementia by Community Nurses—From the Perspective of a Nurse in an Early-Stage Intensive Support Team for Dementia—

Abstract

Objective: Clarifying advance care planning (ACP) preparation support for older adults with dementia in early support provided by community nurses. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 community nurses from 10 facilities and analyzed them qualitatively and descriptively. Results: The ACP preparation support included "consideration of the dementia diagnosis/ notification process," "continuous support from an early stage to continue a life suited to the person's situation," "promotion of family understanding of older adults with dementia and their troubles," and "Coordination and network building for multi-professional/related party collaboration." Many community nurses found it difficult to implement ACP at an early stage. Community nurses, who had a long-term support role concurrently with ACP were involved while being aware of ACP. Conclusion: The ACP preparation support for older adults with dementia is included in early support, and it is necessary to consciously promote ACP readiness.