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Journal of Applied Gerontology
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Article

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

Shelley Peacock, BSC, MN1*, Dorothy Forbes2, Maureen Markle-Reid3, Pamela Hawranik4, Debra Morgan5, Lynn Jansen2, Beverly D. Leipert3, and Sandra R. Henderson3

1 University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
2 University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
3 McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
4 Athabasca University, Althabasca, Canada
5 University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: speacock{at}ualberta.ca.


  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.

First published on August 25, 2009
Journal of Applied Gerontology 2009, doi:10.1177/0733464809341471
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