A qualitative study of the empirical process of family caregivers from early symptoms of dementia to hospitalization

Abstract

An interview survey was conducted to understand the process of both the initial symptoms of dementia to hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital and that leading to difficulty in nursing care, and to clarify the necessary support. The data obtained were qualitatively analyzed using a Modified Grounded Theory Approach. As a result, the mental burden of constant monitoring for dementia-induced wandering leads to a significant reduction of private time, resulting in a lack of home care tolerance. The continuous mental burden was a factor in the negative feelings of the caregivers, and after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, the refusal to live together was confirmed. We believe that it is necessary to support caregivers through reducing their mental burden.