Dementia: relationship changes and positive aspects A qualitative study into positive aspects of relationship changes between a person with dementia and their caregiving child.

Abstract

Background: The number of people with dementia is increasing. Seventy per cent of people with dementia in the Netherlands receive informal care (e.g. from their child). Research indicates that the relationship between a person with dementia and their child changes. Thereby, research indicates that a positive parent-child relationship is a protective factor for well-being. However, evidence is lacking on this subject in dementia and this suggests that more research is needed. The present study can lead to the improvement of care for people with dementia and their informal caregivers. Aim: The study aims to explore the positive aspects of changing relationships between informal caregivers and their parents with dementia, as experienced by the caregivers. Methods: The study has a qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through 13 semi-structured interviews; Colaizzi’s method was used for analysis. Results: Two themes with four subthemes were identified. The first theme consists of the benefits of seeing positive aspects during a grim process and the subthemes of relationship benefits and personal benefits. The second theme includes the need to sustain positive moments and the actions taken to do so, along with the subthemes of seeking contact and taking enjoyment in their parents’ pleasure. Conclusions: The study identifies the positive aspects of the relationship changes during dementia as relationship and personal benefits, during a grim time and makes clear that sustaining interaction is important for the study participants. Implications and recommendations: Professionals must pay more attention to the quality of the relationship between an informal caregiving child and their parent with dementia. Future research should focus on factors that influence the quality of these relationships.