The Positive Aspects of the Caregiving Journey With Dementia: Using a Strengths-Based Perspective to Reveal Opportunities

Authors

Shelley Peacock, University of Alberta
Dorothy Forbes, Univesity of Alberta
Maureen Markle-Reid, McMaster University
Pamela Hawranik, Athabasca University
Debra Morgan, University of Saskatchewan
Lynn Jansen, The University of Western Ontario
Beverly D. Leipert, The University of Western Ontario
Sandra R. Henderson, McMaster University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2010

Journal

Journal of Applied Gerontology

Volume

29

Issue

5

First Page

640

Last Page

659

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0733464809341471

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of dementia in older adults will increase the demands for care from families and the health care system. Caring for a relative with dementia is often viewed as burdensome and stressful in nature; however, of late, attention has been given to the positive aspects of the caregiving journey. The purpose of this article is to discuss the qualitative findings related to the positive aspects of family caregiving from a mixed methods study. A strengths-based perspective was used in the secondary analysis of six focus groups (N = 36) and three personal interview transcripts of family caregivers to persons with dementia. Findings reveal that family caregivers can view their role as an opportunity to give back, to discover personal strengths, and to become closer to the care receiver. The results suggest that identifying and mobilizing caregiver strengths can be an effective strategy for supporting family caregivers in their role.