| Theme |
Support for dialysis patients by using social resources |
| Title |
Practical support for cognitively impaired patients, utilizing social resource |
| Author |
Eriko Yoshida |
Department of Nursing, Nagasaki Kidney Hospital |
| Author |
Yuko Maruyama |
Department of Nursing, Nagasaki Kidney Hospital |
| Author |
Megumi Hayashida |
Medical Social Worker, Nagasaki Kidney Hospital |
| Author |
Hisako Fujiwara |
Medical Social Worker, Nagasaki Kidney Hospital |
| Author |
Takashi Harada |
Nagasaki Kidney Hospital |
| Author |
Satoshi Funakoshi |
Nagasaki Kidney Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
With the aging of the Japanese population, the number of patients with cognitive impairment has increased along with the number of patients those receiving hemodialysis (HD). Therefore, it is essential we utilize social resources to provide support for those patients as caregivers. This is especially true due to alterations in Japanes family structure. It is understandable that attending medical facilities for HD therapy is a serious physical and mental burden for both patients and their supporting families. However, this therapy can be potentially useful to avoid the progression of cognitive impairment. As a result, patients may continue to live in places where they have lived for a great deal of time and hope to spend the rest of their lives in a meaningfull way. Medical professionals may help patients choose the best in-home care options. We must be serious in preparing for increasing numbers of patients with impaired cognition since many people will succumb to this condition. As a result, it is necessary to promote better understanding of cognitive impairment in our community, and build a society where both patients and families can live together in harmony. |