Korean J Adult Nurs.  2018 Jun;30(3):314-324. 10.7475/kjan.2018.30.3.314.

Experiences of Family Caregivers Utilizing Care Support of Dementia Center

• Kim CG
• Kwon MS
• Lee YH

• KMID: 2414442
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2018.30.3.314

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to understand the experiences of family caregivers utilizing Care Support of Dementia Centers (CSDC) in the community.
METHODS
Colaizzi's phenomenological approach was used for this study. The participants were 10 family caregivers. Open in-depth interviews were used to collect data from January 2018 to February 2018.
RESULTS
Four categories emerged from the analysis. The experiences of family caregivers utilizing CSDC included "becoming to open the mind to dementia", "forming of good field for each other", "alterations in the patterns of family life" and "hoping for a better life". There were 8 clusters of themes and 17 themes. The experiences of family caregivers utilizing CSDC were driving force of understanding about dementia, older adults with dementia and caring. The older adults with dementia accepted their disease, they actively participated in supporting programs. So, forming of another world that provide regular activities for older adults with dementia, giving rest to the family caregivers, and rearranging the pattern of life according to the schedule of older adults with dementia. Moreover, they expressed the need for a helpful and empathetic support program.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that CSDC helped older adults with dementia and their family caregivers. Therefore, the importance of the role of dementia centers has been emphasized. It is necessary to provide guidance on the content and direction of the network of community support systems.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Appointments and Schedules
Caregivers*
Dementia*
Humans
Qualitative Research