The objective of this study is to explore how the living arrangement and living environment of people with Korsakoff syndrome can be optimized, so they experience as much autonomy and quality of life as possible.
Korsakoff syndrome is the result of a severe vitamin B1 deficiency, in most cases caused by prolonged alcohol abuse combined with poor eating habits. This results in brain damage, particularly memory impairments and a reduced ability to plan and organize.
The majority of people diagnosed with Korsakoff syndrome will require lifelong care. In the Netherlands, most of them live in nursing homes. However, research indicates that they do not feel at home in these settings and experience confusion and anger about being admitted to a nursing home. This is attributed to the relatively young age (on average 57) at admission and the lack of insight into their own disease, which is characteristic of this patient group.
Since Korsakoff syndrome is not naturally progressive, there are opportunities to compensate for brain damage and even (re)learn new skills. An increasing number of Korsakoff care facilities have expressed the desire to develop a more autonomy-oriented living arrangement for relatively young, stable clients who have relearned skills such as cooking and household tasks. This desire is translated into one of the topics in the research agenda of the Korsakov Knowledge Center, the national organization connecting all Korsakov institutions.
The goal of this project is to inform nursing homes for people with Korsakoff syndrome how to:
- Best set up a new, more autonomy-oriented living arrangement
- Optimally design the living environment within the existing nursing home according to the capabilities and needs of clients with Korsakoff syndrome
Phase 1
A first step is to gather knowledge within the extensive Korsakov network in the Netherlands. Through an online survey and interviews, we aim to answer the following questions:
- How are the living arrangements and living environments for Korsakoff clients in the Netherlands who need more autonomy organized?
- What is the influence of (aspects of) these living arrangements on the client and the organization?
- What facilitators and barriers affect the functioning and well-being of a client in a more autonomy-oriented living arrangement?
Phase 2
The knowledge gathered from the first phase will be put into practice by care organization Saffier. A new autonomy oriented living arrangement will be set up for 5 clients with Korsakoff syndrome. This will be established at a different location of Saffier, where the clients will have their own corridor with small appartments.