Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the needs of older people with dementia in terms of their home environment and how these needs are influenced by personal characteristics and the level of dysfunction.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to 200 older people with dementia, in 10 communities of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, between January and June 2019. Three questionnaires were used in this study.

Results: The factors influencing the participants' home transformation needs include level of dysfunction, age, monthly income, and living conditions (all p ＜ 0.05). It was found that the participants' needs mainly consist of rest, supporting environment, and indoor activity space.

Conclusions: The needs of older people with dementia, with different degrees of dysfunction, vary and are influenced by several factors in the community. These findings provide a scientific basis for community- specific aging reforms.