本研究旨在探究照顧失智長者之家庭照顧者其照顧因應發展歷程,本研究以質性研究思維,採取深度訪談相繼訪問了4 位家庭照顧者,來瞭解失智長者及家庭照顧者其家庭概況、失智長者之病程發展以及家庭照顧者如何因應與轉變照顧方式,經現象學分析獲得以下研究結論: 一、 初期:家庭成員們逐漸覺察失智長者不易應對的改變,體認需選定主要照顧者,並引入協助家庭內照顧的相關資源,進而至醫療院所就醫。 二、 中期:失智長者之症狀嚴重程度提高,因此導入外部照顧資源,進行照顧決策的選擇,且此時因服藥可能會逐漸出現藥物副作用之情形。 三、 後期:失智長者之症狀加劇到接近失能,使家庭照顧者不得不轉換照顧型態,並思量後續照顧計畫。 根據前述研究結論,形塑出4 位失智長者家庭照顧者其獨特之照顧因應發展歷程,研究者對此進行反思並從中獲得啟發。
This study aims to investigate the experience of caregiving and coping of family caregivers of seniors with dementia. With qualitative research methods, the researchers gave in-depth interviews to four family caregivers. The interviews investigated the overall family situations of the family caregivers and the seniors with dementia. The development of the seniors’ conditions and how family caregivers coped with this development were also investigated. Through Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, the following conclusions were obtained: 1. Initial Stage: Family members notice that the senior with dementia cannot respond to certain changes. They understand the need to select a primary caregiver, and utilize resources to assist in family care. They then seek medical care for the senior at medical institutions. 2. Intermediate Stage: Symptoms of dementia intensify. External care resources are utilized to make care decisions. During this period, side effects of related drugs may become manifest. 3. Late Stage: Symptoms of dementia may intensify to the point of disability, forcing family caregivers to change the form of care and consider future care plans. Using the aforementioned research conclusions, this study has shaped the unique experiences of caregiving and coping of four family caregivers of elders with dementia. The researchers have reflected on these experiences and gained inspiration from them.