Components of Empowerment Among Family Caregivers of Community-Dwelling People With Dementia in Japan: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

Background Family caregivers of people with dementia (PWDs) experience significant physical, psychological, and social burdens. Empowerment, which refers to the process of gaining power in society through behavioral change, is important to coping successfully with care-related burdens. The high burden of care faced by family caregivers in Japan often makes accepting social support difficult for caregivers of PWDs, resulting in feelings of isolation. Clarifying what components constitute empowering experiences for family caregivers of PWDs is necessary to gain a better understanding of their empowerment experiences and to develop relevant support schemes. Purpose This study was developed to describe the components of empowerment experienced by family caregivers of community-dwelling PWDs in Japan. Methods This qualitative descriptive study used semistructured in-depth interviews to explore components of empowerment experienced by family caregivers of adults/older adults with dementia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 family caregivers (age range: 50–87 years) from four self-help groups. A qualitative content analysis method was used to analyze the data. The components derived from the interviews were reviewed by three nursing researchers not directly involved in this study who are specialists in qualitative research and geriatric nursing. Results Four categories and 12 subcategories were derived to illuminate the components of empowerment among family caregivers of PWDs. Specifically, these categories were as follows: (a) proactive aspects of dementia care that were acquired through the caregiving experience, (b) creating a relationship that respects PWDs, (c) Building relationships based on mutual understanding of one's surroundings, and (d) understanding the social aspects of dementia care. Conclusions/Implications for Practice The findings of this study provide additional understanding of the components of the empowerment experiences of family caregivers of PWDs in Japan and in other East Asian countries experiencing increasing dementia diagnoses and population aging. In addition, the structural components of empowerment offer a useful perspective for health professionals on assessment and intervention that is framed on the cultural characteristics of East Asia. Ultimately, the results suggest that healthcare professionals should develop intervention programs that are tailored to the needs of caregivers at different levels of empowerment.

Trajectories of resilience and related factors in primary caregivers of patients with advanced head and neck cancer: A longitudinal cohort study

“…During the early post‐treatment period, providers should be aware that PCs experience such changes in psychological status, putting them at risk of developing ineffective coping behaviors that may contribute to worsening resilience. Providing available resources such as long‐term care, home service, or respite care to help PCs get sufficient rest (Sakanashi et al, 2021).…”

“…Providing available resources such as long-term care, home service, or respite care to help PCs get sufficient rest (Sakanashi et al, 2021).…”

An Outpatient-Based Training Program Improves Family Caregivers' Preparedness in Caring for Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This training program was similar to the Preparedness, Enrichment, and Predictability system developed by Archbold et al (1990), which has been shown to enhance caregiver preparedness (Huang et al, 2013;Kuo et al, 2013). This finding is supported by the findings of similar studies that family caregivers' problem-solving therapy decreased their distress in caregiving during the first year after the intervention (Carlozzi et al, 2018;Garand et al, 2019) and the components of empowerment experienced by family caregivers of community-dwelling persons with dementia are very important, which improved family caregivers' coping skills, selfefficacy, and caregiving skills (Sakanashi et al, 2021). Moreover, this finding is consistent with that of a comprehensive group program for significant partners of persons with MCI.…”

Strategies and factors to enhance active participation of family caregivers of people with dementia in psychoeducation: A scoping review

“…Similar to the results of another review of dyadic intervention for people with dementia and their caregivers (Cheung et al, 2021), tailoring educational content to caregiver experiences, preferences, and resources; collaborating with caregivers; and facilitating sharing and support between peers were used to engage caregivers in psychosocial interventions. These strategies might help caregivers to actively acquire caregiving knowledge and skills, as well as emotional support (Che et al, 2006; Chiu et al, 2013; Sakanashi et al, 2021) thereby manage their situations.…”