Perspectives of family caregivers on care of hospitalized relatives with dementia

Purpose - To examine family caregivers’ experiences of care provision for their hospitalized relative with dementia Methods – An integrative literature review was conducted using healthcare databases to examine primary research that focused specifically on family caregivers’ attitudes and experiences of care that was provided to their relatives with dementia in the acute care setting. Significance – Family caregivers were overall dissatisfied with the care that was provided to their relatives with dementia in the acute care setting. As a result, family caregivers felt it was their responsibility to provide personal care to their relatives with dementia and ensure that they were safe. There were three major themes that emerged as barriers to providing optimal care and person-centered care (PCC) to the patient with dementia: communication, knowledge and the environment. The concept of (PCC) is identified as the gold standard approach to care for dementia patients. There is evidence of family caregivers’ expressing satisfaction where this philosophy of care is applied in the acute care setting. It is imperative that all stakeholders involved in the care of the dementia patient to collaborate to ensure a change for the better in care provision. This will be possible with effective communication between all stakeholders, educating and training the nurses in dementia care and also making physical changes to the acute care environment and its process to create a culture of PCC for the dementia patient.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofUnreviewedGraduat