Problems and coping experience of caregivers who provided care for dementia patients at home

Abstract

Objective  This phenomenological study is to describe and explain problems and coping experience of caregivers who provided care for dementia patients at home.                         

Materials and methods  Eleven caregivers of dementia patients who provide care more than 3 months were recruited by purposive sampling. Data were collected using in depth interview, non-participant observation, tape-recording and note-taking. The data were analyzed by using qualitative method.                                       

Results  The problems of caring was classified into 3 themes: 1) attitude towards disease, and knowledge and skill of caregivers for caring, 2) socio-economic trouble, and 3) physical and mental health of caregivers and daily activities such as working. There were 5 themes of coping strategies: 1) managing symptoms and unwanted behaviors, 2) acceptance and taking care of their personal health, 3) adjusting their life, 4) managing for the safety of their life and property. There were 4 related factors: 1) the caregivers, 2) the patients, 3) the social culture and beliefs, 4) the health service system. The needs of the caregivers were classified into 3 themes: 1) support of health service, 2) support of family members, and 3) care center that can accommodate the patients to care for.

Conclusion Assessment of caregivers covering problems, impacts, coping behaviors and strategies is important to be used to guide care planning and promoting coping ability of the caregivers who care for the dementia sick family members.