Self-Care for Family Carers: Can the Alexander Technique help?

Abstract

Background and purposeCaring for a family member who is living with dementia can be incredibly challenging. Interventions to support family carers are vital and so carers should be supported to care for themselves and to maintain their own sense of self. The aim of this exploratory study was to explore the views of carers on the potential value of developing an Alexander Technique intervention for family carers of people with dementia. Materials and methodsWe delivered a one-off taster session of the Alexander Technique to family carers of people with dementia. Eight carers of people with dementia attended the group session led by two registered Alexander teachers. Post-session questionnaires examined carers’ thoughts on the content, context, and process of learning the Alexander technique. A focus group at the end of the session asked participants to provide feedback on their experience and the perceived benefits for carers. ResultsCarers’ satisfaction with the session was high and they reported benefitting from it. Participants appreciated having time for themselves in which they were able to stop to enjoy a moment of calm. They felt they could use the ideas they gained from the session in everyday life. The use of touch in the sessions was also valued by carers. ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence that the Alexander Technique has the potential to increase carers’ ability to self-care and to support them in their caring. In so doing it has the potential to indirectly help those they care for.