The carers' perception of nursing patients suffering from dementia : a qualitative study

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the perception of relatives of persons with dementia while caring for them. An evaluation of the level of responsibility and emotional impact on these carers is also performed. The stress involved in caring for the person with dementia is identified and their reaction to this stress is explored. Semi-structured interviews were used for this research, with the participants being asked to participate by the researcher as they fulfilled the required criteria. The data collected was then analysed using a thematic analysis. Findings revealed that caring for a person with dementia is stressful and this stress was expressed from different outlooks and situations. Coping strategies were also individually adopted. It was concluded that overall the person suffering from dementia is treated with dignity and respect by their relatives. Although they complained that there were difficult times, they knew that they had to be patient. As the participants of this study pointed out, more knowledge, awareness and in particular support, will be invaluable if offered to those directly involved and also to the general public. This is also valuable to the fact that as people are living longer the prevalence of dementia is increasing.