The Positive Aspects of the Caregiving Journey With Dementia: Using a Strengths-Based Perspective to Reveal Opportunities

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of dementia in older adults will increase the demands for care from families and the health care system. Caring for a relative with dementia is often viewed as burdensome and stressful in nature; however, of late, attention has been given to the positive aspects of the caregiving journey. The purpose of this article is to discuss the qualitative findings related to the positive aspects of family caregiving from a mixed methods study. A strengthsbased perspective was used in the secondary analysis of six focus groups (N = 36) and three personal interview transcripts of family caregivers to persons with dementia. Findings reveal that family caregivers can view their role as an opportunity to give back, to discover personal strengths, and to become closer to the care receiver. The results suggest that identifying and mobilizing caregiver strengths can be an effective strategy for supporting family caregivers in their role.

The positive aspects of caregiving in dementia: A critical review of the qualitative literature

“…Furthermore, those studies that formed a part of a larger piece of research tended not to report as much detail of the data collection method, particularly in terms of who collected the data, their training and potential influence they may have had on the process (Butcher & Buckwalter, 2002;Farran et al, 1991;Jansson, Almberg, Grafström, & Winblad, 1998;Jervis, Boland & Fickenscher 2010;Peacock et al, 2010;Ribeiro & Paúl, 2008;Shim, Barroso, Gilliss & Davis, 2013). Even in cases where interviewer information was provided, in all but one study -Netto et al, 2009 -it was not the author of the study that carried out the interviews.…”

“…A sense of satisfaction with carrying out caregiving duties well was reported by carers in most studies. Feelings of satisfaction were particularly associated with doing a good job (Jervis et al, 2010), keeping the PwD safe (Peacock et al, 2010) or making them as comfortable as possible (Murray et al, 1999).…”

Prendre soin des personnes après AVC : réactions émotionnelles des aidants informels hommes et femmes

“…Plutôt que de se focaliser sur les problèmes rencontrés par les aidants, une perspective intéressante à approfondir est de se concentrer sur leurs capacités et leurs ressources [39]. La recherche des déterminants de l'estime de l'aide, issue du CRA, permet de mieux saisir l'importance du rôle des facteurs psychologiques et sociaux prédisposant, contribuant ou encore renforçant le maintien ou le développement chez les aidants informels d'un accompagnement bénéfique aux victimes d'un AVC.…”

Psychometric validation of the Carers of Older People in Europe Index among family caregivers of older persons with dementia

“…14 Thus, a dementia caregiver can be described as an "invisible second patient" with potentially unrecognized support and guidance needs. 3,7 The extensive focus on negative health outcomes may have restricted innovation and development of support services for dementia caregivers 10,15 because caregivers can derive a great deal of satisfaction from their role 16 and experience a strengthened relationship with the care recipient. 15 These positive experiences can enhance motivation and meaning and have an impact on the dementia caregiver's well-being.…”

“…3,7 The extensive focus on negative health outcomes may have restricted innovation and development of support services for dementia caregivers 10,15 because caregivers can derive a great deal of satisfaction from their role 16 and experience a strengthened relationship with the care recipient. 15 These positive experiences can enhance motivation and meaning and have an impact on the dementia caregiver's well-being. 17 Moreover, providing care during the early phases of dementia encompasses expectations and needs other than those required as the dementia progresses.…”