社會工作者執行失智症長者團體服務經驗探討——以雙北地區為例

Abstract

本研究透過深度訪談法訪談7名社會工作者，探討其如何設計和執行失智症長者非藥物治療性團體，及在此過程曾經面臨之挑戰與其因應。研究結果顯示，受訪者認為失智長者團體有助於失智長者維持認知功能、延緩退化及增進社會互動。社會工作者在規劃時透過考量失智長者的特性與需求，如失智程度，以個案為中心設計適合失智長者團體內容。在團體帶領上，社會工作者必須具備失智症的專業知識及靈活應對突發狀況的能力，而帶領技巧則包括現實導向、彈性調整及焦點轉移等。由於失智長者容易受到外在因素影響、專注能力有限及經常併有BPSD，社會工作者需靈活運用帶領技能以因應挑戰。最後，本研究針對失智症照護政策、服務機構、社會工作者，及未來研究提出建議。This study conducted in-depth interviews with seven social workers to explore how they design and implement non-pharmacological therapeutic groups for older adults with dementia, as well as the challenges they encounter during the process and how they address them. The results indicate that the participants believe such groups help older adults with dementia maintain cognitive function, delay deterioration, and enhance social interaction. In the planning phase, social workers consider the characteristics and needs of individuals with dementia—such as the severity of the condition—and design group activities centered around the participants. In facilitating these groups, social workers must possess professional knowledge of dementia and the ability to respond flexibly to unexpected situations. Facilitation techniques include reality orientation, flexible adjustments, and shifting focus. Given that individuals with dementia are easily influenced by external factors, have limited attention spans, and often exhibit Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), social workers must adapt their facilitation skills accordingly. Finally, this study offers recommendations for dementia care policy, service agencies, social workers, and future research.