Positive Experiences of Caregiving in Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia: a Content Analysis Study

Abstract

Background: The growing trend of aging population and age-related diseases, such as dementia, stresses the importance of addressing caregiving. One of the notable issues in this area is the positive appraisal of caregivers of their cares, therefore, the present study aimed to explain the positive experiences of family caregivers of older adults with dementia in Iran. Materials and methods: This qualitative study used conventional content analysis approach. Twelve family caregivers of older adults with dementia were selected through purposeful sampling from among those attending Memory Clinic of Yadman and Alzheimer's Association of Iran in Tehran. and participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed simultaneously with data collection. Results: Data analysis led to the emergence of three main categories of satisfaction with care, personal growth and caregiving gains along with nine subcategories, which show the positive appraisal of caregivers of their caregiving. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, although the results of our study are somewhat similar to those of the western studies, the appraisal of family caregivers of their care has unique dimensions specific to Iranian culture. These positive appraisals can be used to design specific interventions to reduce the negative outcomes of caregiving.

Keywords

• Family caregiving
• Older adult
• Dementia
• Caregiving appraisal
• Content analysis