Coping with relationship change: A phenomenological study of relatives of people with dementia

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of individuals with a family member with dementia, but who were not the primary caregiver. Particular focus was given to the changing nature of their relationship. Seven semi-structured interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Two main themes of ‘Awareness of change through illness’ and ‘Negotiating changing relationships’ highlighted the challenges involved in maintaining a relationship when the pre-existing roles around which the relationship was formed alter. Findings revealed that showing care for the loved one and maintaining some level of emotional intimacy were important for participants. Future research with the families of those with dementia may help establish methods of coping with relationship change. In addition, there is a need to develop interventions that can support the wider family network to discover ways of maintaining emotional intimacy with the sufferer.