WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER FORGETS- THE TRANSITION AND RESILIENCE OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS TOWARDS CARE RECIPIENTS’ MEMORY LAPSES FROM DEMENTIA

Abstract

This study aims to understand how Chinese primary caregivers of family members with dementia in Singapore practice resilience in response to their care recipient’s onset and display of memory lapses. In-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers recruited from two social service organisations. Transcripts were analysed thematically and findings about caregiving stressors, coping mechanisms, experiences with informal and formal support resources, caregivers’ characteristics and interpretation of caregiver resilience emerged. Caregivers’ socioeconomic status and experience with formal service providers had the most impact on their caregiving methods, values, and eventual conceptualisation on caregiver resilience. While caregivers of lower socioeconomic status were observed to perceive less social support, caregivers of higher socioeconomic status generally had access to familial support or support from other social circles. However, both groups face constraints in utilising caregiver support resources, in terms of availability and meeting changing caregiving needs. Caregiving values and motivations to remain resilient were mainly driven by personal belief systems, including religious or spiritual beliefs, with cultural influences being less apparent. Implications to social work practice include recommendations to enhance the availability, practicality and sustainability of caregiver support measures and resources. It is suggested that future research should focus more on different profiles of informal caregivers, hard-to-reach caregivers and adoption of a longitudinal approach.