Nurses’ Experiences of Creating a Safe Environment for People Living with Dementia: A Qualitative Study

Individuals with dementia often require assistance in performing many daily activities, and as the disease progresses, their need for care increases even further. Nurses who have specialised knowledge and experience in working with patients with dementia are able to ensure a safe environment and play a significant role in improving the quality of care for these hospitalised individuals. Aim: to identify the experiences of nurses in creating a safe environment for people with dementia. Methods: qualitative research was conducted using a semi-structured interview method. The interview questions were prepared by the researchers based on a review of the scientific literature. The data were analysed using the content analysis method. The interviews were conducted from November 2024 to February 2025. The research was carried out in two supportive treatment and nursing hospitals that have units dedicated to the care of people with dementia. Results and conclusions: the results of the research revealed that, in creating a safe environment for patients with dementia, nurses place great emphasis on physical, emotional, and social safety. They strive to ensure proper nutrition and safe treatment, remove hazardous objects from the patients’ surroundings, monitor medication use, observe patients’ condition, and provide individualised care. Emotional safety is established through empathy, patience, and respectful communication, taking into account each patient’s individual needs. The main challenges identified by the nurses included difficulties in communication with patients with dementia and their relatives, changes in patient behaviour, episodes of aggression, disorientation, and emotional fatigue. Although these factors complicate their work, the nurses attempt to remain calm, ensure a safe environment, and maintain the well-being of their patients. They actively participate in specialised training and seek to further enhance their knowledge in the areas of psychology, behaviour management, emotional resilience, and innovative care practices.