Experience for caregivers of dependent elderly persons with dementia.

Abstract

Dependent elderly people with dementia require constant attention and significant care most of which are provided by family caregivers. The aim of our study is to highlight the feelings of caregivers of elderly with dementia and dependent. This qualitative study based on grounded theory method with semi-structured interviews with caregivers of dependent elderly. A comparative analysis of interviews to interview was conducted to identify themes, from the codes compared on a semantic level. 39 caregivers were interviewed until data saturation. The average age of caregivers was 61 years and 7 months IC (55 years 8 months 63 years and 4 months), consisting of 28 women and 11 men. Data analysis revealed six main themes: family duty, social isolation, an acceptance of the illness, stress and depression, physical morbidity and financial costs. The acceptance of the illness of his loved one is an indispensable element in the construction process of the caregiver close relationship dependent. But the balance between personal life and caregiving is not easy, caregivers have reported effects on their health since they occupy that role. Caregivers seem less watching their health and ignore some signs of disease. Caring for a family member with an illness such as dementia is extremely difficult, and many caregivers experience negative experiences such as stress or depression worse.