Risks in situations that are experienced as unfamiliar and confusing – the perspective of persons with dementia

An increasing number of people with dementia are ageing at home in Sweden and in other countries. In order to meet the safety requirements, knowledge about how persons with dementia experience risks is required. The aim of the study was to explore and better understand how persons with dementia, living at home, experience risks in their daily life and how they handle these situations. Twelve persons with dementia were interviewed using open-ended questions, and the data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Findings showed that participants experienced situations fraught with risks in their daily life as unfamiliar and confusing. Previously familiar places became unfamiliar to them, and details did not come together. They were uncertain about what actually had happened. How the participants handled these situations in order to reduce the risks are described.