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Family caregivers' and professionals' experiences of supporting people living with dementia's nutrition and hydration needs towards the end of life.
- Source :
- Health & Social Care in the Community; Jan2022, Vol. 30 Issue 1, p307-318, 12p, 3 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- The aim of this paper was to understand the needs of family caregivers and professionals supporting people living with dementia with eating and drinking difficulties towards the end of life and the strategies they use to overcome them. A total of 41 semi‐structured interviews with family caregivers (n = 21) and professionals (n = 20) were conducted in London and surrounding areas of England. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four themes were identified: caregivers accessing and seeking help, perceived priorities of care, professionals' supportiveness and educational role, and strategies. Caregivers often struggle as they are not aware of the eating and drinking difficulties associated with dementia's progression. Care can change over time with families prioritising a person's comfort towards the end of life rather than ensuring a particular level of nutrition. Mutual support is required by both professionals and caregivers to enhance the care of the person living with dementia. Cognitive difficulties are often behind initial eating and drinking challenges in dementia, whereas physical challenges take over towards the later stages. Flexibility and creativity are key to adapting to changing needs. There is a need to raise awareness of the eating and drinking challenges associated with the progression of dementia. Professionals can help caregivers embark on the transition towards focussing on comfort and enjoyment of eating and drinking near the end of life rather than nutrition. This is particularly relevant for those caring for a relative living at home. Caregivers' input is needed to tailor professionals' recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- CAREGIVER attitudes
HYDRATION
DISEASE progression
COGNITION disorders
TERMINAL care
ATTITUDE (Psychology)
RESEARCH methodology
HUMAN comfort
MEDICAL personnel
INTERVIEWING
CREATIVE ability
DEGLUTITION disorders
DIET therapy
DEMENTIA patients
QUALITATIVE research
PSYCHOLOGY of caregivers
PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
NEEDS assessment
DRINKING behavior
JUDGMENT sampling
STATISTICAL sampling
DATA analysis software
THEMATIC analysis
EATING disorders
PALLIATIVE treatment
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09660410
- Volume :
- 30
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Health & Social Care in the Community
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 153993793
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13404