Family caregivers’ experiences of formal care when caring for persons with dementia through the process of the disease is sparsely investigated. Family caregiving requires collaboration with formal care to get support adjusted to the individual’s needs, specific to the stages of dementia. Caregivers experience a transition process with three main turning points: the dementia diagnosis; when they realise increased need for formal care to continue caring at home; and when the person with dementia is moved into a nursing home. The interviewed caregivers experience formal care reactive to their needs and this often promoted unhealthy transitions. Formal care needs to be proactive and deliver available care and support early on in the dementia trajectory. Interventions should focus on facilitating a healthy transition for family caregivers through the trajectory of the dementia disease to ensure their well-being.
Click here to access the article. An OpenAthens login is required. Alternatively call 0161 291 5778 or email Academy Library for a copy of the article.