Challenges, knowledge, and skills required for family caregivers of older adults with dementia: a qualitative study in Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION

Most people with dementia (PwD) receive home care from their family members. Caring for PwD can be challenging; however, many family caregivers do not receive adequate training. The lack of support, knowledge, and skills in dementia care places significant physical and psychological stress on family caregivers.

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative study explored the challenges faced by family caregivers in providing care for PwD and identified the knowledge and skills they need for effective caregiving roles.

METHODS

In-depth interviews with 20 family caregivers of PwD were conducted face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire at the Department of Geriatrics at Nhan dan Gia Dinh Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Data analysis was conducted using inductive content analysis. The interview transcripts were coded by two independent researchers and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Six key themes emerged: (1) challenges in daily care; (2) strain from behavioral and sleep disruptions; (3) difficulties in seeking help; (4) personal sacrifices of caregivers; (5) emotional burdens associated with caregiving, including comorbidity concerns of PwD; (6) limited dementia knowledge and essential caregiving skills.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the need for targeted interventions in dementia care and underscores the necessity of providing educational and support programs for family carers of people with dementia in Vietnam and other low- and middle-income countries. Effective educational programs should cover dementia knowledge, comorbidity management, help-seeking strategies, caregiver self-care, and caregiving skills while also promoting support resources such as respite care and accessible information platforms.