Abstract:
This study employed a qualitative approach in exploring and comparing the
experiences of adult family caregivers who are providing fulltime care to their family
members with early-onset and late-onset dementia. The study aimed to explore the
care arrangements/styles employed by family caregivers, the emotional and social
impacts of caregiving, the influence of filial obligation in the decision to become
caregivers, and the impact of current social perception and support (or the lack
thereof) on family caregivers. The study was based on the narratives of family
caregivers and was conducted through semi-structure in-depth interviews with two
family caregivers who were currently providing care for their family member with
dementia. The findings of this study highlight the multiple roles of caregivers, their
coping strategies, and care styles. In addition to this, it was found that caregiving
negatively affects the emotional health of caregivers and causes significant limitations
in their social life. Their decision to be primary caregivers was largely a default decision
than a result of filial obligation. The social environment is also found to be a cause of
distress for caregivers because of the stigma surrounding dementia and dementia
care.
