Experiences of spouses caring for aggressive family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the problems encountered by spousal caregivers living in the community with aggressive abusive care receivers. Case study design was used to identify the experiences of these informal caregivers. Ryden's (1988) Theoretical Model for Aggression in the Cognitively Impaired was used as a guide in understanding aggressive behaviours in this population. Two "couples" were followed for a three-month period. Repeated (N = 26) caregivers' interviews and observations of the caregiver/care recipient interactions, field notes, caregiver's journal of aggressive behaviour (N = 1), and the Mini-Mental State Exam were used to obtain detailed descriptions of the spouses' experiences. Care recipients were interviewed for insights into aggressive behaviour. Findings highlighted the caregiver's ability to identify the antecedents to the aggressive behaviour and successful intervention strategies. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)