[Resilience in family caregivers of people with dementia: a qualitative descriptive study].

Resilience in family caregivers of people with dementia: a qualitative descriptive study Abstract:

Background

Family caregivers of people with dementia often take on extensive caregiving responsibilities, frequently at the expense of their own needs and health. A deeper understanding of their resilience is important to derive practice-relevant implications for nursing care. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia and to derive implications for nursing practice.

Methods

Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with family caregivers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke.

Results

Four themes were identified: (a) finding outlets for positive emotional relief, (b) coming to terms with the disease and developing acceptance, (c) drawing strength from one's social environment, and (d) being able to apply the emergency brake. Resilience was reflected particularly in the gradual assumption of the caregiving role, the development of stable support networks, and strategies such as humour and taking time out. Reluctance to seek professional help sometimes limited access to supportive resources.

Conclusions

The findings point to practice-relevant implications for nursing in emotional support, information provision, resource activation, and raising awareness of personal burden limits. The KoRes model provides a useful framework for interpreting the findings.