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Women Coping With a Partner's Dementia-Related Violence: A Qualitative Study
Tova Band-Winterstein1, Hila Avieli2
1Associate Professor, Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel.
Purpose:
The aim of the present study was to differentiate between the lived experience of two groups of women caregiving for a partner with dementia. One group was coping with lifelong intimate partner violence (IPV) and dementia-related violence (Group 1); the other group was coping with dementia-related violence only (Group 2).
Design:
An interpretive phenomenological analysis perspective was used. Data collection was performed through in-depth, semistructured interviews with eight female spouses of men with dementia from each of the two above-mentioned groups, followed by a content analysis.
Findings:
Comparing the narratives of the aging women revealed their different experiences over several dimensions: (a) the identification of violence as a symptom of dementia; (b) the use of past couplehood memories; (c) feelings over time; (d) willingness to care for the partner with dementia; and (e) a prospective view of life.
Conclusions:
The complexities of being old and having to cope with caregiving responsibilities for a spouse with dementia, accompanied by violent behaviors, emphasize the significance of the couple's past relationship. This notion should be taken into account in practical interventions.
Clinical Relevance:
As part of the aging process, there is an increase in people who are engaged in dementia-related violence. Nurses' education and practice should focus on the dynamics of dyads coping with violence and identify the particular needs of the caregiver spouse in this context.