In
reality, however, people with dementia tend to have fewer options in their
lives, thinking like “They can’t do it because of dementia” and “There is
nothing they can do about it.” The Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an
Inclusive Society, enacted in 2024, stipulates that people with dementia should
be able to enjoy their fundamental human rights, which we take for granted. The
need for this provision to be included in the law reflects how often people’s
wishes do not come true just because they have dementia.
It
is also true that continuing to live alone is not always the best way to go. But
moving from home to an institution is often taken negatively. By respecting the
lives and experiences people have built up over the years, we can enable them
to enjoy their lives in their own ways in a new environment as well. I have
learned that from professionals dedicating themselves to supporting people with
dementia. That is why it is critical that we keep asking not only “where to
live” but also “how to live” for care in the future.
As
I discussed these ideas with Ms. Kubota, my co-author, we came to the realization
that we shouldn’t keep what we have learned from people with dementia and
professionals to ourselves: We should share these with many people.
Last
month, we published a book titled “Let’s Think About ‘Life’ of Older People with
Dementia Who Live Alone.” In this book, we have a specific idea about the word “life.”
It is more than what we do every day. It is a multifaceted concept that encompasses
many different elements, including physical life, the way we live, values, and
connections. We chose this word as a viewpoint to keep supporting people’s own
lives even after they develop dementia.
This
book started with very simple questions:
·
What are
some thoughts and feelings as they continue to live alone?
·
When does
living alone become difficult?
·
What
challenges are they likely to face in everyday life?
·
What can
be done so that they can continue their current lifestyles as long as possible?
As
we explored answers to these questions, we found what is important: Instead of
easily giving up “because” they have dementia or live alone, the person and
their supporters can work together to find creative solutions and put them into
practice in everyday life as they face challenges “even when” they have
dementia or live alone. Should they find it difficult to keep living alone,
they can come to terms with the situation at a new place and regain their own
lives.
Through
interviews with older people with dementia who live alone, we have illustrated
their everyday lives from their own viewpoints.
Ms.
Tomiko (pseudonym), whom Ms. Kubota interviewed, is in her 80s. She had been
married for many years, but being childless and widowed, she has lived by
herself for some time. When she was young, she put up with and served her
dominating husband who demanded total obedience. Living by herself, she now enjoys
peaceful days in her old house looking at the garden. “No more fighting or
scolding. It’s an easy life,” says Tomiko with a smile. But it doesn’t
necessarily mean she has no problems. One day, a sales person came to her house
unexpectedly, asking her to let him look at the ceiling. She chased him away but
later had a little trouble with a neighbor over how she handled the situation.
According
to Tomiko, “Despite these problems and a modest lifestyle, I still prefer this
life with this garden.” Now that she no longer needs to tolerate her husband, she
enjoys herself every day, while realizing her forgetfulness and aging, by
welcoming home helpers and making creative adjustments where needed. Her story
helped us understand how she has chosen to live by herself with dementia.
In
addition to stories of people with dementia, this book also carefully outlines how
living alone can become difficult and what challenges they are likely to face
in daily life. Some challenges are also true for many older people, such as difficulty
managing personal health and hygiene, life-threatening events, financial
hardship, and problems with personal relationships. But for people with
dementia who live alone, these challenges tend to become more complex and
serious. Even then, while they are “torn between continuing and giving up,” as shown
in the book subtitle, I believe they can continue to enjoy their lives in the
ways they like as long as possible. It can be done through creative adjustments
and interactions by the people and those around them, as well as effective use
of local resources and services.
Anyone
can develop dementia and is likely to live alone when that happens. To continue
the lifestyles we like in those situations, it is essential that we start
preparing now, physically and mentally. I hope this book can help many people
revisit how they lead their own lives, how they relate to people close to them,
and what their communities should look like.
Taeko Nakashima
Faculty of Health Management Department of Social Health and Business Management
Nihon Fukushi University
https://www.nfu.ne.jp/ (in Japanese)
コメント
コメントを投稿