Loading...
Family caregivers’ perspectives on their interaction and relationship with people living with dementia in a nursing home: A qualitative study
Van Corven,Charlotte T. M. Bielderman,Annemiek Lucassen,Peter L. B. J. Verbeek,Hilde Lesman-leegte,Ivonne Depla,Marja F. I. A. Stoop,Annerieke Graff,Maud J. L. Gerritsen,Debby L.
Van Corven,Charlotte T. M.
Bielderman,Annemiek
Lucassen,Peter L. B. J.
Verbeek,Hilde
Lesman-leegte,Ivonne
Depla,Marja F. I. A.
Stoop,Annerieke
Graff,Maud J. L.
Gerritsen,Debby L.
Abstract
Background Social interactions are important for people living with dementia in a nursing home. However, not much is known about interactions and relationships between residents and family caregivers and related experiences of family caregivers. We aim to advance the knowledge on how family caregivers interact with people living with dementia in a nursing home and how they maintain or redesign a meaningful connection. Methods Qualitative research using interviews with family caregivers (n = 31) to explore perspectives on their interaction and relationship with the person living with dementia. Interviews were held during the reopening of nursing homes after the first COVID-19 lockdown in the Netherlands. In this situation, family caregivers became more aware of their interaction and relationship with the resident, which provided a unique opportunity to reflect on this. The interviews explored the interaction and relationship in a broad sense, not specifically for the COVID-19 situation. Thematic analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results We were able to identify three key themes reflecting the experiences of family caregivers: (1) changes in the interaction and relationship, (2) strategies to promote connection, and (3) appreciation of the interaction and relationship. From the viewpoint of family caregivers, the interaction and relationship are important for both the resident living with dementia and for themselves, and family caregivers have different strategies for establishing a meaningful connection. Nevertheless, some appear to experience difficulties with constructing such a connection with the resident. Conclusions Our results provide a basis for supporting family caregivers in perceiving and establishing mutuality and reciprocity so that they can experience togetherness.
Description
This work was supported by The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) [grant number 733050832] and the Dutch Alzheimer Society.
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
CARE, Dementia, EXPERIENCES, Family caregivers, INVOLVEMENT, Nursing homes, Psychosocial support, Social interaction
Citation
Van Corven, C T M, Bielderman, A, Lucassen, P L B J, Verbeek, H, Lesman-leegte, I, Depla, M F I A, Stoop, A, Graff, M J L & Gerritsen, D L 2022, 'Family caregivers’ perspectives on their interaction and relationship with people living with dementia in a nursing home : A qualitative study', BMC Geriatrics, vol. 22, 212. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-02922-x