Development of a conceptual framework of positive aspects of caregiving in dementia

TLDR

Caregiver research has largely emphasized stress and burden, especially for dementia care, leaving positive aspects underexplored. The study aims to enhance and conceptualize positive caregiving aspects to inform innovative support for caregivers. An integrative literature review was used to develop a conceptual framework of positive caregiving aspects. The resulting framework offers a comprehensive model that improves understanding of positive caregiving and supports the creation of programs focused on these strengths.

Abstract

Research on family caregivers usually focuses more on stress and burden, especially in the context of looking after a person with dementia. This leads to fewer considerations of positive aspects of caregiving. Thus enhancing these positive aspects represents an innovative approach to caregivers’ support. Furthermore, these aspects need more conceptualization to underpin the development of such an approach. This article proposes a conceptual framework of the positive aspects of caregiving based on an integrative literature review. This conceptual framework provides a comprehensive model that should improve understanding of positive aspects of caregiving. It could also contribute to the development of innovative support programs based on the positive aspects instead of the negative aspects of caregiving.