Abstract
BackgroundWhile studies have examined the quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers for people living with dementia, it is not yet clear how these caregivers’ quality of life affects their ability to meet the care demands of their loved ones. The purpose of the study was to explore caregivers’ perceived quality of life in relation with the care provided to persons with dementia.MethodsTwenty-three caregivers participated in this study. These caregivers participated in focus groups or one-on-one interviews after completing questionnaires regarding their own quality of life as well as the care provided to their loved ones with dementia. The interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using qualitative description methodology.ResultsRegarding the relationship between caregiver QoL and the care provided to older people with dementia, the following themes were derived: (1) needs of the person with dementia; (2) caregivers’ ability to cope with progressing needs of the care recipient; (3) availability and accessibility of support for the caregiver; (4) unmet needs of the caregiver; and (5) ability of the caregiver to meet their own progressing needs as the condition of the care recipient deteriorates.ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that caregiver quality of life is important for the care they provide to their loved ones living with dementia. The study highlights the need for the provision of much needed support for caregivers and older people living with dementia. These issues are particularly important during and post-pandemic.
Highlights
While studies have examined the quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers for people living with dementia, it is not yet clear how these caregivers’ quality of life affects their ability to meet the care demands of their loved ones
Caregivers of older people living with dementia are relatives, friends, or neighbors who provide
The major themes from the study are described below: Family caregiver quality of life and care provided When considering how caregivers describe the relationship between their QoL and the care provided to their family members with dementia, analysis of the interviews revealed the following inter-related factors or themes: (1) needs of the person with dementia; (2) caregivers’ ability to cope with progressing needs of the care recipient; (3) availability and accessibility of support for the caregiver; (4) unmet needs of the caregiver; and (5) ability of
Summary
While studies have examined the quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers for people living with dementia, it is not yet clear how these caregivers’ quality of life affects their ability to meet the care demands of their loved ones. The purpose of the study was to explore caregivers’ perceived quality of life in relation with the care provided to persons with dementia. 50 million people are currently living with dementia worldwide, and this number is projected to reach. Estimates indicate 5.7 million people are currently living with dementia in the United States, and the numbers are projected to rise as population aging continues [3]. By 2050, approximately 13.8 million people in the United States are projected to have Alzheimer’s disease [3]. Caregivers of older people living with dementia are relatives, friends, or neighbors who provide
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