FINDING MEANING IN DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVING: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Although there is a body of knowledge indicating that finding meaning has a positive impact on the caregivers’ wellbeing, little is known about the actual process of how caregivers of persons with dementia find meaning in their caregiving experience. This pilot study has provided insights into how Chinese family caregivers of persons with dementia find meaning in their caregiving experience and adapt to their caregiving role. Grounded theory methodology was employed in this study. Unstructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven primary caregivers who were taking care of a family member with dementia at home. Data were analyzed using constant comparative method. The results showed that the process of finding meaning consists of four stages: questioning, exploring, accepting, and transforming. Caregivers went through these four stages as they struggled to regain a sense of control over the changing caregiving situation. Caregivers who could successfully go through the four stages have demonstrated a higher motivation to care and a better wellbeing. For those caregivers who could not progress through the four stages, they were trapped in the stages of questioning and exploring. They were struggling to find ways to manage the situation and felt hard to accept the situation. These caregivers were more depressed and had a higher level of caregiving burden. These findings suggest that interventions can aim at assisting caregivers to regain a sense of control over the changing caregiving situation, in order to help caregivers find meaning in their experience and adapt to their caregiving role.