The Role of Communication in Informal Caregiving for Family Members with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study is to examine the role of communication in family caregiving for family members with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia as well as to examine how family caregivers use communication to maintain their well-being. Using the critical incident technique, in-depth interviews were conducted to generate rich narratives about the best and worst communication experiences caregivers had while providing care. This study builds on literature regarding caregiver burdens and stress, Accommodation Theory, and in-depth studies of caregiver experiences. This study provides a framework to prepare future informal caregivers for communicating effectively when delivering care to family members with AD by providing them with useful insights from present-day informal caregivers.