Experiences of spouse caregivers of life partners suffering from dementia in the community

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of spouse caregivers of life partners suffering from dementia, community-based and how it affects the spouse caregivers’ quality of life. Methods: A qualitative study approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design will be applied in the present study. Eight semi-structured, in-depth interviews will be conducted. The participants will be spouse caregivers of life partners with dementia, living in the community. An inductive approach and thematic data analysis will be applied to analyse, interpret and to compile the collected data. Results: Four thematic categories were identified; Initial feelings/emotions, the impact of caregiving, uncertainty in relationship and the impact on the quality of life. Conclusions: This study found that, the spouse caregivers go through challenging caregiving experiences that are associated with the worsening of dementia illness. Consequently, the care-role burden pose a negative impact on their psycho-social, emotional, physical and their holistic health; which advocates for development of effective caregiving skills, adaptation of a positive care-role attitude and accessibility to a supportive environment.