Research Article: Using Photovoice to investigate the lived experiences of family care partners of people living with dementia: What supports their well-being in a care relationship?
Abstract:
Dementia is one of the main global health challenge and public health priority. The aim of this study was through the Photovoice practice to investigate the lived experiences of what supports the well-being of family care partners of people living with dementia in a care relationship.
Family care partners of people living with dementia took part in the study. Data was collected using questionnaire survey (before the study); photographs, stories and observational notes (during the study), as well as individual meetings and group discussions (during and after the study). Qualitative research results were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.
The following themes emerged from the study—“Reconciliation and Acceptance,” “The Aspiration to Maintain One's Inner Freedom and Well-being,” “The Bond in Care,” and “The Role of Supportive-social Environment.” Creative results were presented in a public exhibition.
It's timely to actively find ways to sustain the care provided by family care partners of people living with dementia. Recognizing informal carers as an important part of the dementia care system, and actively developing efficient informal carer health and well-being promotion strategies both at individual, family, and society levels, may counteract psychological, physical and social challenges and reduce the prevalence of stigma within the carer journey. The study findings suggest that the Photovoice is a promising tool for identifying potential support systems for the welfare of family care partners of people living with dementia, reducing the stigma and contributing to their well-being. In this study, participants had opportunities to connect with other caregivers, to be active while engaging in creative activity, to take notice and learn new things, and to share their experiences with others both in a group settings and in a public exhibition. Photovoice can be applied more broadly in research and policy-making when working with vulnerable populations.
Introduction:
Dementia is one of the main global health challenge and public health priority. The aim of this study was through the Photovoice practice to investigate the lived experiences of what supports the well-being of family care partners of people living with dementia in a care relationship.
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