• Sayuri Kobayashi, Noriko Yamamoto-Mitani, Satoko Nagata, and Sachiyo Murashima.
• Department of Community Health Nursing, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. sayurik-tky@umin.ac.jp
• Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2008 Jun 1; 5 (1): 31-40.

AimThe aim of this study was to elucidate the components of end-of-life care provided to older adults with dementia who live in group homes (GHs) in Japan.IntroductionThe number of GHs in Japan is rapidly increasing. Although GHs were originally not established to care for elderly people with advanced-stage dementia, many residents remain in the GH even after their stage of dementia advances; thus, end-of-life care is required.MethodsInterviews were conducted with seven GH administrators on their experience in providing end-of-life care to their residents. The constant comparative approach was used for data collection and analysis.FindingsFour themes emerged as essential components of end-of-life care in the GH setting: (i) maintaining a familiar lifestyle; (ii) minimizing physical and mental discomfort; (iii) proactively utilizing desirable medical care; and (iv) collaborating with family members.ConclusionThe combination of the four components seems to be a unique characteristic of end-of-life care in GHs in Japan. These findings may be used to establish a framework for end-of-life care at GHs.

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