Life Adjustments of Elderly Hemodialysis Patients for Continuing to Attend Dialysis Facility

摘要

This study aimed to elucidate elderly patients’ recognition of and life adjustment to attending dialysis facilities, and then to discuss factors for enabling such patients to continue attending dialysis facilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants and interview data were analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. The study was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Niigata University School of Medicine. The interview data yielded 21 concepts, comprising 2 categories and 7 subcategories. Patients who find themselves in a “Difficult Lifestyle” often try to maintain their health and lifestyle by using required support for hemodialysis patients. Factors for continuing to attend dialysis facilities were the ability to cope with the Difficult Lifestyle and to adjust to Hemodialysis as a Life Priority. It is thought that switching from a model of economic security to one of providing living support will be effective for maintaining elderly dialysis patients’ life with only limited expenses. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the utilization of existing services.