Qualitative research of informal caregivers' personal experiences caring for older adults with dementia in Lithuania
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AbstractBackground: In many communities around the world, informal caregivers of older adults with dementia represent an essential, yet often underappreciated, source of long-term care. The present study aimed to determine the personal experiences of such caregivers, which could be instrumental for developing means of improving the quality of care for both care receivers and their informal caregivers.Methods: Five semi-structured focus-group discussions were held. The participants (n = 31) were all informal caregivers of older adults with dementia. The focus-group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive approach was used, and thematic data analysis was applied.Results: Four thematic categories were identified: learning caregiving through personal experience; implications of caregiving on social wellbeing; caregivers' contradictory emotions regarding care delivery; and addressing challenges regarding care provision.Conclusions: This study revealed, among the informal caregivers, a variety of experiences, contradicting feelings, and problem-solving strategies relating to the care of older adults with mental disorders. Becoming an effective caregiver involves professional and psychological development. Developing caregiving skills, supportive environment and positive attitude can help facilitate providing care. Caregiving largely impacts the emotional, physical, and social wellbeing of the person; thus, comprehensive approaches are needed to prevent burnout and associated social disadvantages.
All Author(s) ListKontrimiene A, Sauseriene J, Blazeviciene A, Raila G, Jaruseviciene L
Journal nameINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
Year2021
Month12
Volume Number15
Issue Number1
PublisherBMC
Article number12
ISSN1752-4458
LanguagesEnglish-United Kingdom
KeywordsInformal care, Patient care, Mental health services, Primary health care, Social services, Older adults, Dementia
Web of Science Subject CategoriesPsychiatry;Psychiatry