The meanings caregivers ascribe to dementia-related changes in care recipients: a meta-ethnography

The number of individuals with dementia is increasing dramatically around the world, and because of this growth, an increase in the number of caregivers has occurred as well. Caregiving is often associated with negative outcomes (e.g., burden, depression, impaired physical health). These problems persist although much effort has been put into understanding caregiver strain. Some work has addressed the meanings caregivers ascribe to dementia-related changes, which may provide a better understanding of caregiver health and well-being. Most of this work is qualitative, but no synthesis of the literature addressing caregiver meanings of dementia-related changes has been found. The purpose of the current meta-ethnographic synthesis is to explore and interpret the literature addressing the meanings that caregivers give to dementia-related changes in their care recipients. An interpretation that incorporates findings in relation to elder mistreatment is offered. Implications for nursing care and research are discussed.