Pårørendes rolle som ressurs og samarbeidspartner: En Studie med fokus på pårørende til pasienter med demenssykdom i sykehjem/ Family members' role as resources and collaborating partners: A study focusing on dementia and long-term stay in a nursing home

Abstract

Aim: To bring knowledge about how relatives can serve as a resource and cooperate with nursing home staff in giving care to patients with dementia and behavioural symptoms. Background: Studies suggests that family members want to retain the role of caregivers also after institutionalization of a family member with dementia. We have little knowledge about how family caregivers and nursing home staff develop a collaborative relationship. Methods: The study has a descriptive and explorative design. Data were collected via II semi-structured, audiotaped interviews with family members. The analysis is based on Kvale and Brinkman's three levels of interpretation. Findings: Relatives were to a little degree included as a resource for nursing home staff, and they missed a continuous dialog with health personnel in charge of the care. The transition from the role of being an active, responsible caregiver to someone that was not involved and familiar with the daily needs of their family member was perceived as difficult. Conclusion: Relatives may be an important resource in the planning of long-term care for their family members. Conscious inclusion and collaboration with relatives can help them remain in their role as caregivers and prevent them from feeling disclosed.