Å være ektefelle til samboende partner med demens

Abstract

Background: Dementia is an increasing health problem with strong impact on affected individuals and their next-of-kin.

Aim: To analyse the impact on next-of-kin co-ha biting with their spouse who is living with dementia.

Method: In-depth, semi-structured interviews with six spouses, of which four were women. Data was analysed by means of constant-comparative method as in Grounded Theory. Results: The main category was «Life has become different». The four first level sub-categories were «loss and adversity», «commitments as spouse», «utilize own resources», and «dilemmas when receiving professional care services».

Conclusion: The results provide enhanced under standing of factors that strengthen the resilience and capability of spouses as caregivers. Further research on the interplay between next-of-kin as caregivers and professional services is required.