Becoming a Family Caregiver to a Person With Dementia: A Literature Review on the Needs of Family Caregivers

Abstract

Introduction The dementia disease affects both the family caregivers’ health and social and psychological well-being. The aim of this review was to identify and describe the needs of family caregivers living with a person with dementia at home. Method The literature review, conducted using the matrix method, was also inspired by Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis. Results Three themes were identified: (1) the family caregiver’s new roles and relationships; (2) caregiver burdens; and (3) the caregiver’s need for information and support. Conclusion When family caregivers gradually lose their reciprocal relationship with the person with dementia, and sometimes also with family and friends, the need for other kinds of social contact arises e.g. with others in a similar situation. They also need to have some respite to provide room to pursue their own interests and take care of their own health. Also, a high level of individually tailored information is needed.