Protective preparation: a process central to family caregivers of persons with mild cognitive impairment. (26th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Ching-Lin; Kuo, Li-Min; Chiu, Yi-Chen; Huang, Hsiu-Li; Huang, Huei-Ling; Hsu, Wen-Chuin; Lu, Cheng-Hsien; Huang, Tzu-Hsin; Huang, Shan; Shyu, Yea-Ing Lotus
• Is Part Of: International psychogeriatrics. Volume 30:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 384
• Publication Date: 2017-09-26
• Subjects: caregiver preparation, -- caregiving processes, -- grounded theory, -- illness trajectory, -- persons with MCI; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9768905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610217001764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-6102

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: To develop a theoretical model explaining the longitudinal changes in the caregiving process for family caregivers of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Taiwan. Methods: A longitudinal, grounded theory approach using in-depth face-to-face interviews and an open-ended interview guide. We conducted 42 interviews over a two-year period; each participant was interviewed at least once every six months. All participants were interviewed in their home. The participants total of 13 family caregivers of persons with MCI. Results: One core theme emerged: "protective preparation." This reflected the family caregiving process of preparation for a further decline in cognitive function, and protection from the impact of low self-esteem, accidents, and symptoms of comorbidities for the family member with MCI. Protective preparation contained three components: ambivalent normalization, vigilant preparation, and protective management. Conclusions: Interventions to help family caregivers manage the changes in persons with MCI can reduce caregiver burden. Our findings could provide a knowledge base for use by healthcare providers to develop and implement strategies to reduce caregiver burden for family caregivers of persons with MCI.