Gerontology & Geriatric Research

PROSPECTUS FOR AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF OFFSPRING CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA

2^nd International Conference on Aging & Gerontology

June 26-27, 2017 San Diego, CA, USA

Nancy L.C. Dusthimer

Liberty University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriatr Res

Abstract:

Prospectus for an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of Offspring Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia: Caregivers of the elderly provide an important service to the care recipients and to society while often experiencing stress, burden and psychological morbidity related to caregiving, especially when the care recipient has dementia. There is an extensive body of literature related to caregiving, but a relative paucity related to effective interventions to address the stress, burden and psychological morbidity. Mental health counseling offers potential as an important element of caregiver interventions. Research has provided evidence of positive effects from some interventions, largely psychoeducation. An evidence-based mental health practice has been developed specifically for spouse caregivers. One high quality study extended that particular intervention to offspring caregivers, though not specifically to dementia caregiving. More understanding is necessary regarding the struggles and mental health needs of offspring dementia caregivers. This qualitative study will use Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the lived experience of offspring dementia caregivers in order to inform counselors who work with these individuals and those who develop interventions for them.