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 independence 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 independent 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:
- organize a new, more independent living arrangement, or
- optimize the living environment within existing nursing homes for maximum independence and dignity for the client.
A first step is to gather knowledge within the extensive Korsakov network in the Netherlands. Through an online survey and interviews, we aim to:
- Describe the types of living arrangements and living environments for people with Korsakoff syndrome in the Netherlands and how they are organized in terms of independence.
- Gather best practices for establishing a living arrangement or organizing a living environment for people with Korsakoff syndrome who wish to live more independently.
- Describe the type of client suitable for the more independent living arrangements available in the Netherlands.
Regional expertise centre Domus Nostra (Saffier) intends to apply the knowledge gathered in the first step in practice in a pilot in which a selected group of residents with Korsakoff syndrome will take a step towards more independent living. In the second step of this project, we will investigate whether the quality of life of the residents taking this step improves and identify the facilitators and barriers in this pilot.
