Relationship and stage of dementia differences in caregiver perspectives on the meaning of activity.

Abstract

Caregivers of persons living with dementia (PWD) taking cholinesterase inhibitors, who care 3 + h over three days/week, were interviewed. This study uses thematic content analysis to compare responses to the open-ended question " What do you believe getting involved in activities outside the home means for someone with dementia?" in spouse ( n = 613) and adult-children ( n = 260) caregivers, and across mild ( n = 314) and moderate-severe stages ( n = 280). For adult-children caregivers, activity participation promotes independence in their parents. Spouses describe activity in the context of their relationship with the PWD, and the experience is framed around their continued social roles as a couple. Mild-stage caregivers report the difficulty and negative outcomes (e.g. frustration, stigma) of engaging in activity, while moderate-severe caregivers discuss activity as preserving abilities in PWD and providing connection to cohort. This may indicate areas for improved activity provision and support for spouse (i.e. emotional) and adult-children (i.e. resources) caregivers across dementia stages.