Abstract
The prevalence of dementia and therefore family carers is ever growing. Providing care for a loved one with dementia has a significant impact on family carers both physically and emotionally. Currently, no interventions and treatment for family caregivers have been shown to be consistently effective in improving wellbeing. This thesis aimed to determine the impact of caring for a loved one with dementia on family members and adult-children with the aim of informing services, interventions, and future research. Part one of this portfolio presents a thematic synthesis of the current qualitative literature exploring adult-children’s psychosocial experiences related to having a parent live with dementia. Seven electronic databases were searched in April 2023 and a comprehensive thematic synthesis of the included 24 papers was undertaken. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when conducting and reporting results, and Thomas and Harden’s (2008) three-stage synthesis was used. The findings of the review suggested that experiences for adult-children are variable and influenced by gender. Due to cultural and societal expectations females are more likely to assume caregiving roles, and therefore more likely to experience emotional and physical strain in relation to caregiving. Additionally, the review highlighted complex emotional experiences, including specific experiences related to losing a parental figure and caring for a parent, and the challenging nature of navigating the dementia journey with little support from family and services. Part two presents a qualitative empirical paper that investigated the whole family experience of dementia to identify the needs of families. This paper took a multi-perspective approach to Braun & Clarkes’ (2022) six phase reflexive thematic analysis. Families were made up of adult-children, spouses, siblings, and the person with dementia. Semi-structured interviews with three families (10 participants) were conducted in the UK. The findings suggested that families experience transitions through their relationships, roles, and loss journey, as a result of the ever changing nature of dementia over time. This study delves into the systemic effects of dementia on families, revealing diverse family experiences and familial dynamics. Key findings highlight varied caregiving roles, communication challenges, and evolving needs over time. Conflict and limited support exacerbate family burden, emphasising the necessity for improved communication and tailored interventions.