Psychosocial impact of caregiving in dementia and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Authors

  • G. Garip
  • A. Cross
  • D. Sheffield

Abstract

Background: With the rising prevalence of dementia comes an increase in the number of people providing informal care. Caregiving for a person with dementia can present challenges that may have a psychosocial impact on the individual in terms of quality of life. Methods: A systematic review of the qualitative literature on the experiences, quality of life, and psychosocial impact of caregiving on adult informal caregivers of people with dementia. The meta-synthesis was conducted according to the principles of meta-ethnography to interpret and synthesise the studies identified from the review. Data quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria. Findings: The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (reference: CRD42016041747) and 1235 studies were initially identified from five databases. Fourteen studies describing the experiences of a total of 298 informal caregivers were entered into the review. The meta-synthesis elicited the following themes: 1) perceptions of the emotional impact of caregiving; 2) support needs and coping strategies for dealing with the emotional impact of caregiving; and 3) the role of culture and relationship dynamics in caregiving. Discussion: Our findings highlight the need for a person-centered approach to care planning that also accounts for the needs of the informal caregiver to promote better caregiver well-being and quality of life. Caregiver emotional support, coping, resilience, and adjustment to caregiver identity should be reviewed as part of the care package for the person with dementia.

Published

2017-12-31

Issue

Section

Poster presentations