Participation in a support group from the perspective of family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients

Abstract

The aim: The aim of the study was to identify, describe and analyze approaches positively affecting care provided by family caregivers to the patients with Alzheimer’s disease with focus on caregivers’ perceptions and experience regarding personal participation in the support group. Methods: The qualitative cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted. To gather empirical data semi-structured interviews with family caregivers was used. Twenty caregivers were recruited between January and April 2016. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged reflecting positive impact of personal participation in a support group on caregivers: Solution-focused optimism, Practical help and Feeling of companionship. Psychosocial support from professionals and others in similar situation was also stressed with an emphasis on approaches already being used and verified by others members of the group. Conclusions: Study results indicate the importance of belonging to support group perceived by family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.