失智症家庭照顧者轉化學習模式：邁向正向經驗

Models of Transformative Learning Among Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: Positive Experience Approaches

近年來有愈來愈多的研究顯示，失智症家庭照顧者從照顧歷程中也能獲得正向意義與個人成長，雖然多數的研究表示照顧者仍飽受體力、心理與財務的困擾。本研究探討失智症家庭照顧者如何及以什麼樣的模式可由負向轉為正向的照顧經驗。本研究首先探討失智症家庭照顧者的負向經驗，再進一步探索有助於失智症家庭照顧者由負向轉為正向經驗的重要驅動力。本研究以深度訪談的方式，共計訪談18 位失智症家庭照顧者，受訪者分別招募自中部及南部的兩個照顧者協會與一個醫學中心。訪談過程全程錄音，並繕打成逐字稿。本研究採用主題分析法，根據深度訪談中與重要驅動力有關的主題與次要主題內容加以分析。本研究發現，「樂觀的個性」、「互動關係」、「靈性」及「因應能力及技巧」均為失智症家庭照顧者轉化成正向經驗模式重要的驅動力因素。為數甚多的失智症家庭照顧者經常感受負面經驗，透過本研究的發現，希望能提供失智症家庭照顧者找到正向照顧經驗的方法與模式。本研究結果亦提供政府長期照顧政策決策者、學者、醫療從業人員及實務工作者，因應失智症家庭照顧面對的挑戰與需求時能有更深入的認識與瞭解。

In contrast to the general assumptions that people with dementia are a physical, psychological, and financial burden, recent studies have demonstrated that family caregivers can benefit and experience personal growth when caring for a family member with dementia. This study investigates the transformation of family caregivers when caring for a family member with dementia. This study first examined the negative experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia and then explored the triggers that helped change their experiences from negative to positive during caregiving. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants. The participants were recruited from two local care associations and one medical centre in central and southern Taiwan. Each interview was audio-recorded and data were transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed to analyze the themes and subthemes related to the triggers. The findings revealed that optimistic characteristics, mutuality, spirituality, and coping abilities and skills are important triggers for developing a positive caregiving experience model. This study is intended to help family caregivers, who may often feel pessimistic, to have positive daily caregiving experiences. Moreover, the study provides government long-term care policymakers, scholars, and healthcare professionals and practitioners with a more comprehensive understanding of the caregiving challenges and needs of family caregivers.