A phenomenological study of living with a partner affected with dementia

• Introduction: Caring for people affected by dementia is a collective effort that involves public health, primary care, and informal care. The third mainly comprises the efforts of spouses.Aim:This study aimed to describe spouses' experiences of living with a partner affected with dementia.Method:The study has a descriptive phenomenological approach based on a reflective life-world perspective. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted with spouses of persons affected with dementia. The interviews were audiotaped and analysed using the procedures described by Giorgi (2009).Findings: The essence of living with a partner affected by dementia formed a comprehensive theme: from togetherness to loneliness, which along with three descriptive categories—changes in their partner's behaviour, changes in everyday life, and a changed future—describes the phenomenon.Conclusion:The theme 'From togetherness to loneliness' reflects the spouses' descriptions of their life-world. Daily life changed gradually in line with their partners' personality, and their role became that of a care provider rather than a spouse. Information and knowledge about dementia should be provided at an early stage. Health care has a major responsibility to meet their needs, thus ensuring that all parties are satisfied.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

dementia

spouse

loneliness

Sweden

family caregiver

Vårdvetenskap

Nursing science

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)