Exploring the meaning of home for family caregivers of people with dementia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

452 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The home remains the preferred site for ageing and care provision, yet its role and meaning for caregivers remains under-studied. Thirteen co-resident family caregivers of people with dementia were interviewed about the personal meaning of their home environment. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that ‘home is everything’ for caregivers and included two major themes, each with two sub-themes: 1. The different meanings of home: 1.1 home as a secure haven, and 1.2 home looks like a hospital, feels like as a prison. 2. Perceived impact of home: to move or not to move? 2.1 need for relocation, and 2.2 staying in place but redefine the home environment. The findings provide insights into the meaning of home and ways it may change, and identify areas for further exploration and also practical support for co-resident caregivers in their own homes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-81
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology
Volume51
Early online date15 Mar 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2017

Keywords

  • home environment
  • family caregivers
  • aging in place
  • dementia
  • meaning of home
  • qualitative study

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring the meaning of home for family caregivers of people with dementia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this