A phenomenological study of living with a partner affected with dementia

Meyer, JennieThe Community of Tanum, Department for Home Care, Tanumshede (author)

Published Online: December 21, 2015
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.

Cullough, Joanne McThe Community of Lysekil, Department for Home Care, Lysekil (author)
Berggren, Ingela,1948-Högskolan Väst,Avd för sjuksköterskeutbildning(Swepub:hv)oibe (author)
The Community of Tanum, Department for Home Care, TanumshedeThe Community of Lysekil, Department for Home Care, Lysekil (creator_code:org_t)

In:British Journal of Community Nursing: Mark Allen Group21:1, s. 24-301462-47532052-2215

By the author/editor: Meyer, Jennie; Cullough, Joanne ...; Berggren, Ingela ...

About the subject

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Health Sciences; and Nursing

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