Experience and Insights of Family Caregivers for Patients with Senile Dementia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Due to social, economic, cultural and other factors, the majority of dementia patients are taken care of by relatives or nannies at home in China. This family care model puts a heavy burden on caregivers. Objective: The main aim of this article is to explore the experience and needs of caregivers on dementia elderly, reveal the essence, and provide the basis for formulating relevant policies. Methods: A total of 10 caregivers of dementia elderly were intensively interviewed, and data were analyzed by using Colaizzi content analysis methods during May - October 2019. Results: Three themes were extracted from the interviews, including the burden and strain from the care, lack of trust in pension institutions, and experience and comprehension of care. Conclusion: The caregivers have suffered a lot of pressure from taking care of the patients with senile dementia. They lack trust in pension institutions, so it is appealed that targeted services for family caregivers of dementia patients, so as to reduce caregiver burden and improve the quality of care.