CAREGIVER IDENTIFIED PHASES OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE CAREGIVING
was to support that initiative by better understanding social support systems in this region from the perspectives of family members providing in home dementia care. This study was funded by a grant from Designing Daughters of Sarasota Manatee Counties, a local volunteer, non profit, philanthropic organization. Methods: Following IRB approval, caregivers of dementia patients residing in this two county area were recruited via convenience sampling to participate in one of two focus groups, held in August and October of 2018. Participants were recruited from local memory clinics and dementia support groups. Focus groups were facilitated by the researcher and data were collected using a semi structured interview guide. Each session was audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed into text that was then analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Results: A total of 21 caregivers participated with ages ranging from 46 to 80; all had at least some college education. Diagnoses of loved ones included Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Disease. Data reflected the caregiving experience as an individualized process, and themes that emerged were (1) Getting a diagnosis (2) The need for ongoing education (3) The need for a better educated medical community about dementia and (4) The value of support groups. Conclusions: Although small, results from this study aligned with some major findings from other local Florida focus groups. More similar studies are needed which reflect more diverse populations to guide targeted community education and support strategies, but also to serve as the foundation for expanded caregiver research at multiple levels.
Alzheimer's Dementia