Daughters Giving Care to Mothers Who Have Dementia: Mastering the 3 R’s of (Re)Calling, (Re)Learning, and (Re)Adjusting

Abstract

Using the process of constant comparative analysis to examine interview data, the current study explored the process of taking on and continuing to give care to mothers with dementia. The sample consisted of 19 daughters and 1 daughter-in-law; all but one were living with the mother. The core phenomenon of mastery captured the processes of (re)calling, through (re) learning how to be with the mother to (re)adjusting as the daughters try to take care of themselves and consider placing their mother in a nursing home. Through these processes, the daughters essentially deconstruct their images of their mother and rebuild the image to include the impact of the disease process. The inclusion of the cognitive work adds an additional focus for potential intervention with daughters who, in providing care for their mothers, form such a vital part of current health care systems.