When a family member has Alzheimer's disease: a phenomenological description of caregiving.

Caretakers are at risk both physically and emotionally, and in the case of dementia, it is not the characteristics of the illness but rather the caregiving context that predicts caregiving function. An understanding of the caregiver's subjective perceptions are necessary for caregiver well-being. The core themes expressed include the unending attempt to put the patient in touch with the surroundings; trying to stay ahead of the patient; a decline in the reciprocal relationship; narrowing of the caregiver's horizons; and a search for personal connectedness. The personal history of the caregivers is essential to understanding the quality of the relationship because it influences the creativity of the caregivers in coping with the illness.