The lived experience of male and female caregivers of people with dementia: a qualitative study

Background: Burden, satisfaction, depression, anxiety, social support, coping strategies and the disease state of dementia patients all influence carers’ quality of life (QoL) and well-being. Qualitative research looking at carers’ lived experiences and the effect that this has on their well-being is limited. Aim/Objectives: To explore carers’ lived experiences in relation to their daily management care and adjustment of having to care for a person with dementia, and to examine the differences or similarities of carers’ lived experiences in relation to the care provided to the recipients and the effect that this has on carers’ QoL and well-being. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen carers (seven males and seven females) and the audio-taped raw data was transcribed. Key constructs and initial meanings in relation to the everyday lived experiences were identified. Results: Carers’ accounts clustered around five master themes: ‘just normal’, providing best and safe care, managing to cope, sharing and supporting others, and cherished moments. Conclusions: Health professionals and governmental agencies need to consider carers in clinical interventions, psychological and educational programmes. Local communities should adopt a positive image of carers, dementia patients, and health professionals, and have a greater understanding of carers’ criteria for the standard of care and factors affecting carers’ life circumstances in relation to QoL and well-being. Keywords: Carers, Caregivers, Dementia, Well-being, Lived, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Qualitative.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

City, University of London

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Khokhar-Cottrell, F.

• BF Psychology