Exploring the illness process of dementia caregivers: From the intimacy perspective

• Main Authors: CHEN,SZE-PO, 陳思伯
• Other Authors: CHENG, LIN-LIN
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/442n6n

碩士 === 國立臺北大學 === 社會工作學系 === 98 === 　　This purpose of this study was to explore (1)the dementia caregiver’s perspective on his/her care-taking task, (2)the dynamic changing process of intimacy between the caregiver and the patient in the disease course, and (3)the impact of caring fields on the intimacy between the caregiver and the patient. The researcher adopted the semi-structured interview strategy to conduct the research. Ten dementia caregivers were interviewed. The research findings were as follows: 1.The definition of intimacy for dementia caregivers can be divided into five types: emotional, cognitive, physiological, trust, and spiritual intimacy. The relationship with conjugal on the responsibility of marriage and commitment; the blood relationship for caring tasks is based on the feedback of filial piety. 2.The types of intimacy between dementia caregivers and patients before and after the disease are as follows: “no change”,“gradually alienated”, “gradually closer”, and “better than before”. The impact on intimacy between dementia caregivers and patients during the disease course are depend on the understanding of disease, acceptance of supportive services, and problem behaviors of the patient. 3.Patients are transferred to different caring field depending on the evolution of disease course. The caring fields do have impact on the intimacy between caregivers and patients. When the patient is transferred to an agency, reducing the negative interaction between caregivers and patients and increasing the intimacy of both sides. 4.Most caregivers believe that intimacy is very important in the caring process. It also supports them to go on and accompany; while reviewing the caring process, most caregivers agree that dementia bring more positive than negative impact to them.