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Gerokomos
Print version ISSN 1134-928X
Abstract
RUBIO ACUNA, Miriam; MARQUEZ DOREN, Francisca; CAMPOS ROMERO, Solange and ALCAYAGA ROJAS, Claudia. Adapting my life: experiences of caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Gerokomos [online]. 2018, vol.29, n.2, pp.54-58. ISSN 1134-928X.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common dementias and affects 8% of the population over 65 years and 30% of the population over 80 years, in countries with a high life expectancy. This disease is devastating because of the progressive deterioration of the person who presents it and the impact it has on the family, in which the responsibility of being the “primary caregiver” usually falls to one of its members.
Objective:
To know the experience of being a primary caregiver of a family member with AD and their care needs.
Methodology:
A phenomenological qualitative design was used.
Results:
8 family caregivers of people with AD were interviewed. The caregivers’ experience was revealed in six interrelated comprehensive categories: Start of symptoms and search for a diagnosis; Impact of disease; Adaptation; Caregiver profile; Need to not lose the essence of the person and giving back hope.
Conclusion:
Comprehensive categories account for a process that carers live from the onset of symptoms to the adoption of their role as caregiver. This knowledge could provide information to generate innovative care programs to accompany caregivers and their families in the care process required by people with AD, in order to contribute to improve their quality of life, their family´s and to the person to his/her care.
Keywords : Caregivers; Alzheimer disease; life change events.
