Support groups for informal caregivers of people with dementia as opportunities for empowerment in Estonia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Support groups for informal caregivers of people living with dementia have been recognised as an effective intervention for empowering caregivers. Regular support groups for caregivers who care for people living with dementia were launched from 2017 to 2019 over different regions of Estonia. Using a participatory action research approach, the aim of this study was to explore empowerment within these support groups from the perspective of the individual, the community and at a political level. This qualitative study relied on using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and written reflections. The data were collected from informal caregivers, support group facilitators, social work specialists and politicians. We can conclude that support groups are option for empowering informal caregivers and communities, and contribute to policy-making. Participation in support group increases caregivers’ awareness and networking, and therefore improves competence and raises consciousness of citizenship. Caregivers, in conjunction with the nongovernmental organisations, researchers and facilitators, become the audible voice of the interest group in a situation where the topic of dementia is under construction in society, and contribute to social changes.