The experience of quality of life for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease living in Sardinia, Italy.

PURPOSE

This study explored the meaning of quality of life (QOL) for Sardinian caregivers of people affected with Alzheimer's disease and factors improving and worsening their QOL.

DESIGN

The phenomenological method was used to study 41 Alzheimer's disease caregivers living on the western coast of Sardinia, Italy. Interviews were conducted and analyzed using Cohen, Kahn, and Steeves's approach.

FINDINGS

Extracted themes were the following: unity and cooperation in the family; freedom/independence; having time for themselves; serenity/tranquility; and well-being and health. Caregivers identified factors that they believed worsened or improved their QOL. Family was particularly important for these caregivers.

DISCUSSION

This study reinforces previous research about cultural influence on QOL and emphasizes the importance of nurses being culturally sensitive. Since Sardinia is a rural region, these findings may be useful for nurses working with caregivers in other rural settings.