Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
West J Nurs Res. 2022 Mar;44(3):269-278. doi: 10.1177/01939459211055773. Epub 2021 Oct 29.
Although behavioral and psychological symptoms are burdensome for people with dementia and their caregivers, perceptions of family caregivers regarding management of these symptoms are unclear. This study explored the experiences of family caregivers regarding behavioral and psychological symptoms experienced by relatives with dementia, management of these symptoms, and changes in their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative, exploratory approach using constant comparative methods was used; 21 family caregivers were interviewed virtually. The following 10 major themes emerged: (1) Emotional and psychological experiences of caregiver, (2) emotional, psychological, and behavioral responses of person with dementia, (3) cognition of person with dementia, (4) loss, (5) concerns for the future, (6) reliance, (7) learning to caregive, (8) rewarding aspects of caregiving, (9) caregiver perspectives, and (10) care strategies. Caregivers described many challenges to care before and during the pandemic. Acceptable and effective care strategies are needed to promote the well-being of families living with dementia.
尽管行为和心理症状给痴呆症患者及其照顾者带来了负担，但对于家庭照顾者如何管理这些症状，人们的看法并不清楚。本研究探讨了家庭照顾者对痴呆症患者亲属经历的行为和心理症状、对这些症状的管理以及在 COVID-19 大流行期间其经历变化的看法。本研究采用定性、探索性方法，运用恒定性比较方法，对 21 名家庭照顾者进行了虚拟访谈。研究结果呈现了 10 个主要主题：（1）照顾者的情绪和心理体验；（2）痴呆症患者的情绪、心理和行为反应；（3）对痴呆症患者认知的理解；（4）丧失感；（5）对未来的担忧；（6）依赖感；（7）学习照顾；（8）照顾的回报；（9）照顾者的观点；（10）照顾策略。在大流行之前和期间，照顾者描述了许多照顾方面的挑战。需要采取可接受且有效的照顾策略，以促进与痴呆症患者一起生活的家庭的福祉。
