Challenges and Competency in Dementia Care - Caregivers' Perspective

Background: About 70.000 people suffer from dementia in Norway. Earlier studies focus on the challenges nursing home staff face when they are caregivers for patients with dementia and aggressive behavior. Studies emphasize the need for training and competence. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nursing staff's experiences of giving care to patients suffering from dementia with aggressive behavior against caregivers and to highlight their need for more training and competence in order to take care of the patients' dignity. Methods: Qualitative research interviews were conducted with twelve caregivers in a nursing home in Norway. Content analysis according to Kvale and Brinkmann was employed. Results: Three categories emerged. 1) Experience of powerlessness, of being unsuccessful and afraid. 2) Balance between force and autonomy, and 3) Need for special competence to deal with aggressive behavior. Conclusion: The informants emphasized fear and anxiety, and expressed a need for ethical reflection and training in how to handle aggressive behavior to maintain the patients' dignity.