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Luichies I, van der Meide H, Goossensen A. Moral aspects of filial concern for a parent living with dementia: Social imaginaries in contemporary narratives. J Aging Stud 2024; 69:101233. [PMID: 38834248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2024.101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Many adults face the difficulties of a parent living with dementia. Although not always caregiving for a parent living with dementia, they care about and are concerned for the vulnerability of their parent. This concern is invaluable but often an experience with a far-reaching impact. Qualitative research on filial concerns and experiences of caregiving has resulted in a vast body of knowledge about the experience of family carers. Far less research, however, has examined the moral concern of children. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the normative aspects of their concern. An international collection of 24 books written by adult children about their involvement with an ageing parent was analysed using the Dialogical Narrative Analysis method. Our study shows that the stories deal with children's moral questions about independence, identity, and suffering. These questions can be related to social imaginaries of individualism and progress. The two social imaginaries may have both positive and negative impacts on children's ability to cope with their concern for a parent living with dementia. The moral questions that arise from children's concern seem to originate from both the appeal of the vulnerable parent and from the social imaginaries. These moral sources may compete, resulting in moral friction. Children with a parent living with dementia deliberate upon the personal and societal held beliefs and need moral space to embody their concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Luichies
- University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, 3512 HD Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Anne Goossensen
- University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, 3512 HD Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Persson AC, Dahlberg L, Janeslätt G, Möller M, Löfgren M. Daily time management in dementia: qualitative interviews with persons with dementia and their significant others. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:405. [PMID: 37400773 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with dementia encounter time-related problems and significant others often need to provide support in daily time management and use of time assistive technology (AT). Further research has been requested on how time AT for persons with dementia affects the situation of significant others. Moreover, there are a few previous qualitative studies on the experiences of time AT by persons with dementia. This study explores the experiences of persons with dementia and significant others in daily time management and their perceptions on how time AT affects everyday life. METHOD Semi-structured interviews with persons with mild to moderate dementia (n = 6) and significant others (n = 9) were conducted three months after receiving prescribed time AT. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS A main category "Support by significant others is always part of daily time management", and three categories "Facing new challenges", "Using strategies to handle changes", and "Time assistive technology in daily life" illustrated that significant others provided support for daily time management in all phases of dementia. This support was often embedded in other kinds of support for emerging challenges. Support in time management was needed from an early stage in dementia, and responsibility for time management was gradually transferred to significant others. Time AT could support time orientation and were important for sharing the time management conducted by others but did not enable independent time management. CONCLUSIONS Time-related assessments and interventions should be offered at an early stage of dementia to increase the possibility of maintaining daily time management skills. Using time AT to communicate time might increase agency and participation in daily occupations for persons with dementia. Given the central role of significant others for daily time management, the society needs to adequately support persons with dementia lacking support from significant others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christine Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Entrévägen 8, plan 2, 182 88, Stockholm, SE, Sweden.
| | - Lena Dahlberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88, Falun, Sweden
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm University, 18A, 171 65, Tomtebodavägen, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Janeslätt
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Center for Clinical Research in Dalarna, 791 29, Box 712, Falun, SE, Sweden
| | - Marika Möller
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Entrévägen 8, plan 2, 182 88, Stockholm, SE, Sweden
| | - Monika Löfgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Entrévägen 8, plan 2, 182 88, Stockholm, SE, Sweden
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Smith L, Morton D, van Rooyen D. Family dynamics in dementia care: A phenomenological exploration of the experiences of family caregivers of relatives with dementia. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2022; 29:861-872. [PMID: 35088516 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Several studies explore and describe the role of family dynamics in dementia care. However, few focus specifically on the diversity of family relationships that influence family caregivers' experiences of providing care to a relative with dementia. The role of family caregivers engaging in unpaid care of relatives with dementia is becoming more and more critical as the numbers of people living with dementia increase across the globe. Family caregivers are a diverse group of people as there are different categories of kinship relations and thus cannot be viewed as a single collective. They are linked intricately to their family and social support systems, however, they often experience limited family support, and tensions between family members can be a major source of stress. Hence, health professionals need to deepen their understanding of family relationships to enable them to provide effective advocacy and clinical support to family caregivers. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study is unique in that it focuses on a range of family relationships in which a person with dementia finds themselves. It highlights that this network of complex connections influences the caregiving process. The study demonstrates the important role that siblings can play in sharing the caregiving load. However, this sharing is rarely balanced or fair and there is always someone in the family who carries the heaviest load. Communication between family members is frequently a challenge, with family members experiencing denial or an inability to understand the challenges encountered by the family caregiver. Most studies focus on the relationship between the family caregiver and the relative with dementia alone, rather than the family network of the family caregiver and how it influences the caregiving process. This study is unique as it focuses on family dynamics and the family network, particularly the range of family relationships in which family caregivers and their relative with dementia find themselves. Other studies tend to focus on a specific kinship category and the family network, such as an adult child, caring for their parent, but this study presents a wide variety of kinship categories to demonstrate the diversity of family caregiving contexts. The family caregivers in this study all highlighted the need or desire for effective support from the family network. Challenges of communication between family members and the caregiver were also evident and were framed within the existing family dynamic of each family. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH NURSING?: The findings suggest the need for communication (training and therapeutic) interventions between family caregivers and other family members (secondary caregivers). Mental health nurses are often well positioned to offer the family caregiver the option to undertake such an intervention. The findings emphasize the diversity of family caregiving situations and argue that mental health nurses can assess the nature of the care situations and work with families on how best to address the needs of the relative with dementia and the main caregiver. However, tensions frequently exist between family members, some of which existed prior to the relative acquiring dementia and other tensions as a consequence of the relative acquiring dementia. Mental health nurses could assist as a mediator between family members in order to assist families to become more cohesive. ABSTRACT: Introduction This article explores the diverse nature of family caregivers, focusing on the different categories of kinship relations. Family caregivers are linked intricately to their families, but often experience limited family support, causing stress and tension between family members. Aim The article aims to explore the family relationships of family members caring for relatives with dementia in order to provide an insight into the role of such relationships on the caregiver relative with dementia dyad. Method A phenomenological, exploratory-descriptive design was used. Eight participants took part and data were obtained using collages and semi-structured interviews. Results A range of family relationship patterns was highlighted including sibling involvement in the caregiving process; spousal involvement in supporting a caregiver of a parent; and spousal involvement in caring for their spouse. Discussion The family caregivers highlighted the need or desire for effective support from the family network. Challenges of communication between family members and the caregiver were also evident and were framed within the existing family dynamic of each family. Implications for Practice Mental health nurses need to deepen their understanding of family relationships to enable them to provide effective advocacy and clinical support to family caregivers and assist families to become more cohesive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourett Smith
- Advanced Psychiatric Programme at the Department of Nursing Science, School of Clinical Care Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - David Morton
- Department of Nursing Science, School of Clinical Care Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Dalena van Rooyen
- Faculty of Health Sciences at the Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
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“We’ve All Lost So Much”: The Long-Term Care Home Experiences of Essential Family Caregivers During COVID-19. Can J Aging 2022; 42:284-296. [PMID: 36384854 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980822000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, long-term care homes (LTCHs) imposed visitor restrictions that prevented essential family caregivers (EFCs) from entering the homes. Under these policies, EFCs had to engage in virtual, window, and outdoor visits, prior to the re-initiation of indoor visits.
Objective
To understand EFCs’ visitation experiences with LTCH residents during COVID-19.
Methods
Seven virtual focus groups with EFCs were conducted and analysed using a thematic approach.
Findings
Six themes were identified: (a) inconsistent and poor communication; (b) lack of staffing and resources; (c) increasing discord between EFCs and staff during COVID-19; (d) shock related to reunification; (e) lack of a person-centred or family-centred approach; and, (f) EFC and resident relationships as collateral damage.
Discussion
Our findings reflect how EFCs’ visitation experiences were affected by factors at the individual, LTCH, and health-system levels. Future sectoral responses and visitation guidelines should recognize EFCs as an integral part of the care team.
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Quinlan C, McKibbin C, Cuffney C, Brownson R, Brownson C, Clark J, Osvold L. Barriers to Aging in Place for Rural, Institutionalized Older Adults: A Qualitative Exploration. Clin Gerontol 2022; 45:1167-1179. [PMID: 32981469 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2020.1820651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the majority of older adults wish to "age in place" in their communities, rural contexts pose challenges to maintaining long-term independence. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the experiences of rural older adults who live in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and thus have not aged in place. By retrospectively analyzing their pre-institution care situation, we aim to generate foundational knowledge on the barriers to aging in place in rural settings. METHODS A series of individual and group interviews was conducted in SNFs across seven rural communities. A grounded, thematic analysis was used to interpret interview findings, and coding was informed by the socio-ecological model (SEM). RESULTS Participants were 32 adults with a mean age of 72 years (SD = 5.7 years) and an average SNF residence of 3.9 years. Two themes emerged as primary barriers to successful aging in place: (1) Caregiver-related support issues and (2) Present focus, or lack of advanced care-planning. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the importance of specifically supporting caregivers, to ease burden and allow for increased agency for rural older adults. A lack of access to caregiver supports and other services limits the ability of community-dwelling rural older adults to age in place or plan for the future. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Existing networks of rural community resources and innovative solutions should be leveraged to improve access to services for older adults and their informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Quinlan
- Aging Division, Department of Health, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
| | | | - Cari Cuffney
- Wyoming Department of Family Services, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
| | - Ross Brownson
- Division of Public Health Sciences and Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carol Brownson
- Division of Public Health Sciences and Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jeff Clark
- Aging Division, Department of Health, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
| | - Lisa Osvold
- Aging Division, Department of Health, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
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Medeiros TJ, Barbosa GC, Alves LCDS, Gratão ACM. Work-family balance among caregivers of elderly people: a systematic review. CADERNOS BRASILEIROS DE TERAPIA OCUPACIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2526-8910.ctoar241831542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Active workers may experience role conflict when trying to reconcile work and caregiving activities with elderly family members. Objective To carry out a systematic review of empirical research on work-family balance among caregivers of the elderly. Method Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, BVS, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases were consulted to identify research published from 2015 to 2020. Results 20 articles were identified and categorized as follows: 1. Caregivers of elderly people with dementia and cancer; 2. Gender; 3. Sandwich Generation and Baby Boomers; and 4. Individual and collective coping strategies. It was highlighted that there are specificities in the work-family balance that can favor both positive and negative spillovers; therefore, they must be considered in the planning of individual and collective strategies. Conclusion In order to favor work-family balance, the choices between work and family responsibilities should be studied, as well as expanding this narrow framework through the analysis of aspects involving gender, biography, cultural norms, social values, economic aspects and political solutions available to these workers.
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Medeiros TJ, Barbosa GC, Alves LCDS, Gratão ACM. Equilíbrio trabalho-família entre cuidadores de idosos: uma revisão sistemática. CADERNOS BRASILEIROS DE TERAPIA OCUPACIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2526-8910.ctoar241831541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Introdução Trabalhadores podem vivenciar um conflito de papéis ao tentarem conciliar trabalho e atividades de cuidado com familiares idosos. Objetivo Realizar uma revisão sistemática das pesquisas empíricas sobre equilíbrio trabalho-família entre cuidadores de idosos. Método Foram consultadas as bases de dados Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, BVS, Web of Science e PsycInfo para identificar as pesquisas publicadas no período de 2015 a 2020. Resultados Identificaram-se 20 artigos que foram categorizados da seguinte forma: 1. Cuidadores de idosos com demência e câncer; 2. Gênero; 3. Geração Sanduíche e baby boomers; e 4. Estratégias de enfrentamento individuais e coletivas. Destacou-se que existem especificidades no equilíbrio trabalho-família que podem favorecer tanto o spillover positivo quanto o negativo; por isso devem ser consideradas no planejamento das estratégias individuais e coletivas. Conclusão Para favorecer o equilíbrio trabalho-família, deve-se estudar as escolhas entre os trabalhos e responsabilidades familiares, bem como ampliar esse quadro estreito por meio da análise de aspectos que envolvam gênero, biografia, normas culturais, valores sociais, aspectos econômicos e soluções políticas disponíveis a esses trabalhadores.
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Luichies I, Goossensen A, van der Meide H. Normative tensions in filial caring for a mother with dementia: A narrative perspective. DEMENTIA 2021; 20:2766-2778. [PMID: 33913773 DOI: 10.1177/14713012211014003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This article aims to gain insight in the normative struggles of adult children caring for their ageing mother living with dementia. Two Dutch autobiographical books written by siblings recording their own caregiving experience were analysed using a narrative design. Children appear to understand their normative concerns through six fields of tension. Our analysis shows that filial caregivers describe two distinct approaches to deal with these normative tensions. One approach aims to preserve the child's pre-existing personal beliefs and values, but also causes the child to demonstrate rigid and uncompromising behaviour at odds with the needs of their parent. The other approach is more reflective and flexible, prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable person over previously held values, providing an opportunity for better care. We conclude that caregiving children have to find their way between being faithful to their principles and showing moral flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Luichies
- 36513University of Humanistic Studies, The Netherlands
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DiLeone C. Experiences of Daughters Caring for a Parent With Alzheimer's Disease Living at Home. Res Gerontol Nurs 2021; 14:191-199. [PMID: 34288784 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20210428-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study used purposeful and snowball sampling to interview 12 daughters who were care-givers to their parents with Alzheimer's disease. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological approach. Caregiving years ranged from 1 to 10 years, with a mean of 5 years. Six themes were uncovered: (a) Where Are You When I Need You?; (b) Safety First; (c) I Don't Know What to Say or How to Say It; (d) They Are Beautiful People, but They Aren't Trained; (e) Letting Go of Who They Were; and (f) It Affects Every Area of My Life. Findings suggest that caregiver daughters of parents with AD living at home are struggling and indicate a need for better support of caregivers. Implications for nursing practice, research, and education are significant and require a greater focus on the support of informal caregivers of persons with AD. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(4), 191-199.].
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Cartwright AV, Stoner CR, Pione RD, Spector A. The experiences of those affected by parental young onset dementia: A qualitative systematic literature review. DEMENTIA 2021; 20:2618-2639. [PMID: 33517771 PMCID: PMC8564265 DOI: 10.1177/1471301220988231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop understanding of the lived experiences of children of people living with young onset dementia, defined as individuals both under and over the age of 18 years whose parent was diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65 years. METHOD A critical appraisal and thematic synthesis of the available qualitative literature regarding the lived experience of individuals whose parent has a diagnosis of young onset dementia. A three-stage approach for conducing thematic synthesis was followed. RESULTS 15 articles were included in the review. Four analytical themes and 11 subthemes were found. The analytical themes were 'making sense of dementia', 'impact of dementia', 'coping' and 'support'. CONCLUSIONS The experiences of those affected by parental young onset dementia vary widely. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding of young onset dementia by professionals and the public, and a scarcity of appropriate support. This has clinical implications for professionals working with families affected by young onset dementia, in particular with regards to service design and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Cartwright
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London (UCL), UK
| | - Charlotte R Stoner
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London (UCL), UK
| | - Richard D Pione
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London (UCL), UK
| | - Aimee Spector
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London (UCL), UK
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Miller-Ott AE. "Just a Heads Up, My Father Has Alzheimer's": Changes in Communication and Identity of Adult Children of Parents with Alzheimer's Disease. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:119-126. [PMID: 30465446 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1547676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of cases. The disease causes devastating impairment and often loss of cognitive and relational functioning for the individual and creates disorder and chaos for the family system. Even when not stepping into the formal role of caretaker, children of parents with Alzheimer's disease experience increased vulnerability to physical and psychological illness, changes in family roles, and uncertainty about navigating a relationship with a parent they no longer know. In the present study, I sought to understand, through the lens of identity and identity-work, how adult children of parents with the disease perceived that their communication with and about the parent changed. Data from interviews with 12 adult children, none of whom were formal caregivers to their parents with the illness but all reported experiencing shifts in their identity and roles as a child of a parent with the disease, revealed four significant communication changes: communicating with a parent who was the same but different, communicating in multiple roles, correcting or reprimanding the parent, and managing parent's private information. I discuss these findings, their implications, practical suggestions from the data, and suggested areas of future research.
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