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Finding meaning in caring for a spouse with dementia
Bomin Shim1, Julie Barroso, Catherine L Gilliss
1Seattle Pacific University, School of Health Sciences, Seattle, WA 98119, USA. shimb@spu.edu
Applied Nursing Research : ANR
|July 6, 2013
Summary
Spousal dementia caregivers find personal meaning through altruism, disciplined values, and faith. Positive attitudes can be fostered by sharing these caregiving experiences and strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Dementia caregiving presents significant challenges, particularly for elderly spousal caregivers facing resource limitations and personal health issues.
- Despite burdens, caregiving can be a source of personal growth and transcendence for spousal caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia derive personal meaning from their caregiving experience.
- To explore the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of meaning-making in dementia caregiving.
Main Methods:
- Thematic qualitative analysis was employed.
- Data were gathered through interviews with 11 spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia.
Main Results:
- Caregivers commonly expressed altruistic values and the discipline to uphold them.
- Meaning was found through a belief in the choice of attitude and satisfaction in living by one's values.
- Sources of strength included faith in a higher power, profound love for spouses, and resilience from past challenges.
Conclusions:
- Spousal caregivers find meaning through internal resources like values, attitude, faith, and love.
- Sharing caregiver stories and strategies can enhance positive attitudes in dementia care.
- Findings offer insights beyond traditional nursing perspectives on caregiving.
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