Caring relationships with patients suffering from dementia--an interview study

The aim of the study reported in this paper was to describe and analyse care-givers' caring relationships with patients suffering from dementia. The theoretical perspective was caring science. Data were collected through interviews with six care-givers in a ward for patients with severe dementia. From the qualitative analysis of the narratives, the following factors emerged as important for the caring relationships: 'touching', mutual 'confirmation', and the care-givers' 'values in the caring culture' in the ward. We conclude that communication skills are very important in a ward where patients with severe dementia reside, and that there is always a need for formulating the basic values. Theoretical education and clinical supervision are examples of means to improve competence and skills.