Changes in Family Dynamics in Caregiving for People With Dementia in South Korea: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Study

Abstract

Living with a person with dementia considerably affects the lives of both the primary caregiver and the entire family. This study aimed to synthesize the findings of qualitative studies that explored dementia caregivers’ experiences, to further understand the impact of dementia caregiving on family dynamics. Thirty-seven qualitative studies were analyzed and synthesized according to the meta-synthesis methods suggested by Sandelowski and Barroso. Four themes were identified to describe the impact of dementia caregiving on the family: cracked foundation of the family caused by dementia, voluntary or involuntary setup of a marked boundary of care, family as supportive foreground versus reluctant or interfering background, and re-established relationships within and outside the family. The findings illuminate that dementia caregiving has a destructive impact on the entire family, and therefore, it is imperative to develop interventions and infrastructures for both the caregiver and the entire family of individuals with dementia.

Intergenerational caring: a systematic literature review on young and young adult caregivers of older people

“…As regards the tasks, the family caregivers perform, on a voluntary basis, a wide range of activities requiring different levels of effort, from company to help in carrying out the activities of daily living (ADLs) up to psychological and emotional support. The effects of care on different life realms of caregivers have been largely documented by the literature, such as anxiety and depression [11], relational strains [12], social isolation that may lead to perceived stress and loneliness [13]. Moreover, providing care and exposure to the suffering of a loved one can increase the risk for psychological and physical morbidity [14].…”

Chinese diaspora caregivers’ experiences in dementia care in high-income countries: A systematic review

“…Our findings detailed multifaced challenges experienced by Chinese diaspora caregivers which were rarely reported in studies specific to this group of caregivers. The finding that Chinese diaspora caregivers experienced stress due to the lack of support from family members reflects a systematic review on caregivers in general (Oh et al, 2020), but reasons attributed to the situation may differ between ethnic groups. In general, reasons attributed to the situation include the expectation for females in the family to perform the caregiving role and avoidance of unacceptable behaviours in the person with dementia (Oh et al, 2020).…”

“…The finding that Chinese diaspora caregivers experienced stress due to the lack of support from family members reflects a systematic review on caregivers in general (Oh et al, 2020), but reasons attributed to the situation may differ between ethnic groups. In general, reasons attributed to the situation include the expectation for females in the family to perform the caregiving role and avoidance of unacceptable behaviours in the person with dementia (Oh et al, 2020). Our review supports these reasons but pointed out that family members who adapted well to the mainstream culture may believe less in filial piety, be less likely to share in care and may add stress to the primary caregiver due to deferent attitudes and views towards caregiving.…”

A Netnographic Approach: Views on Assisted Dying for Individuals With Dementia

“…A metasynthesis study on changes in family dynam ics in caregiving for a person with dementia shows that caregivers lacking support from their family are likely to seek help from new social groups of people who are experiencing the same challenges (Oh et al, 2019). Our online communities appear to serve such a function, pro viding support, empathy, and sympathy for contributors.…”

“…The implications of dementia for individuals, families, and caregivers have been increasingly investigated (Anderson, Eppes, & O’Dwyer, 2019; Oh et al, 2019; Prorok et al, 2013). Studies show that dementia affects not only a person’s abilities and quality of life, it also disrupts the well-being of caregivers, family, relatives, and friends who witness the gradual decline of their loved one (Frankish & Horton, 2017; Georges et al, 2008; Livingston et al, 2017; Oh et al, 2019). With the continuous progression of dementia, the need for family and professional support will grow exponentially, which may lead to greater physical, psychological, psychosocial, and existential suffering (Tomlinson et al, 2015).…”