Globally, approximately 50 million, mostly elderly people, have dementia. Annually, this number increases by 10 million (World Health Organization, 2019). This study determines Nurses’ perception towards managing Elderly Patients with Dementia at Federal Medical Center, Umuahia. A descriptive Cross-sectional research design was used for this study; the target population are Elderly Patients and Total patients was used. The instrument for obtaining data for the study was a structured questionnaire and IBM SPSS Version 21 was used to analyze the data, generated from the study presented in frequencies, tables and percentages. The socio- demographic characteristics of this study shows that majority of the respondents are with the age of 40 and above years (31%), had Nursing diploma certificate (57%) with 0 – 1year in service (52%) and are exposed to living with the elderly person(s) (81%). This study indicates that the level of perception towards the management of elderly patients with dementia is negative (48.8%), the level of nurses’ knowledge towards the care and management of the elderly with dementia is high (65%) and the level of nurses’ practices in the care of the elderly with dementia is also high (60). Hypothesis revealed there is a significant relationship between the Level of Knowledge of nurses and the Management of elderly Patients with dementia in FMC, Umuahia (P=.005). It is therefore recommended that Seminars on dementia is to be introduced to improve the knowledge. There should also be enhancement in the enlightenment of Nurses’ Perceptions toward the elderly patients. Preparation of mind before going to the wards to care for these patients and many others.
- MPAMUGO | WILSON | OSINACHI | wilsonosi90@gmail.com | 07038860188, EKO, | INYANG | ENEBIENI | inyangeko@yahoo.com | 08029756344, IZUOMAH-FRIDAY | BLESSING | C. I. | chinazaizuoma@gmail.com | +234
- Perception; Nurses; Care of Elderly Patients; Dementia.
- PERCEPTION OF NURSES TOWARDS THE CARE OF ELDERLY PATIENTS
