Family caregiver quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia: qualitative analyses of caregiver interviews.

BACKGROUND: While studies have examined the quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers for people living with dementia, it is not yet clear how these caregivers' quality of life affects their ability to meet the care demands of their loved ones. The purpose of the study was to explore caregivers' perceived quality of life in relation with the care provided to persons with dementia. METHODS: Twenty-three caregivers participated in this study. These caregivers participated in focus groups or one-on-one interviews after completing questionnaires regarding their own quality of life as well as the care provided to their loved ones with dementia. The interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using qualitative description methodology. RESULTS: Regarding the relationship between caregiver QoL and the care provided to older people with dementia, the following themes were derived: (1) needs of the person with dementia; (2) caregivers' ability to cope with progressing needs of the care recipient; (3) availability and accessibility of support for the caregiver; (4) unmet needs of the caregiver; and (5) ability of the caregiver to meet their own progressing needs as the condition of the care recipient deteriorates. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study suggest that caregiver quality of life is important for the care they provide to their loved ones living with dementia. The study highlights the need for the provision of much needed support for caregivers and older people living with dementia. These issues are particularly important during and post-pandemic.

Relationship between family caregiver quality of life and the care provided to people living with dementia: protocol for a mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVE: Family caregivers of people with dementia perform duties that are important for maintaining their loved one's overall well-being. However, it is not yet clear how these caregivers' quality-of-life affects their ability to meet the care demands of their loved ones. The purpose of this study is to utilize a mixed methods approach in investigating how family caregiver quality-of-life affects the care provided to people with dementia. Family caregivers will be recruited from the Rochester, New York area to participate in focus groups or one-on-one interviews. In addition to the qualitative data obtained, caregivers will complete questionnaires regarding their own quality-of-life (e.g., health status, socioeconomic) as well as the care provided to their loved ones with dementia (e.g., how the care provided meets the needs of the care recipient, time spent). A convergent mixed methods approach will be used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data obtained. RESULTS: Data from the interviews will be transcribed verbatim and then analyzed qualitatively. Quantitative data from the questionnaires will be analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. A convergent mixed methods approach will be applied to the datasets to help shed light on the relationship between family caregiver quality-of-life and the care provided to people living with dementia. Understanding of this relationship will make it possible to develop initiatives that better address caregiver needs.