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. 2023 Aug;33(10):884-896.
doi: 10.1177/10497323231172880. Epub 2023 Jul 3.

Video Conferencing Peer Support and Rarer Forms of Dementia: An Exploration of Family Carers' Positive Experiences

Jessica M Rapley  1 , Paul M Camic  1 , Emilie Brotherhood  1 , Sebastian James Crutch  1 , Emma Harding  1 ; Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Impact Study team
Affiliations

Video Conferencing Peer Support and Rarer Forms of Dementia: An Exploration of Family Carers' Positive Experiences

Jessica M Rapley et al. Qual Health Res. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Little is known regarding the nuanced experiences of family carers for people living with rare dementias (PLWRD), with no known literature exploring their positive experiences of caring discussed within peer support group settings. This article explores family carers of PLWRD's positive experiences reported in video conferencing peer support groups. Six peer support group sessions involving a total of nine participants were qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the conceptual framework of positive aspects of caring (CFPAC) (Carbonneau et al., 2010). Six themes were identified: (1) Protecting, maintaining, enjoying and finding strength in their relationship with the PLWRD; (2) Using tools and resources in response to challenges; (3) Positive impact of interactions and others' responses to the dementia; (4) Overcoming barriers to taking a break while maintaining their wellbeing, (5) Maintaining positive outlooks and showing psychological resilience in adversity; and (6) Attributing meaning to the caring role. This article highlights family carers of PLWRD's positive psychological, physical and social resources, balanced against the challenges of caring and maintaining their wellbeing, and identifies ways of promoting family carers' positive caring experiences and resources within healthcare and supportive settings.

Keywords: carers; peer support groups; positive aspects of caring; rare dementias; thematic analysis; video conferencing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Positive aspects of caregiving model. Adapted from Carbonneau et al. (2010).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Overview of the positive aspects of informal carers of PLWRD’s experiences – themes, subthemes and links between them.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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