Shared Experiences with Caregiving for Loved Ones Living with Dementia in an Adult Day Health and Resource Center: A Thematic Analysis

Background: Slowing the progression of dementia and maintaining mental and social health and well-being are important aspects of health and healthcare for people living with dementia (PLwD). Relationships with family caregivers and unique caregiver insights are also important aspects of the health and well-being of PLwD. Methods: A group-based gaming system was developed to promote health and well-being for PLwD through movement, cognitive exercises, and social interaction. Included were family caregivers of clients living with mild- or moderate-stage impairment in an adult day center selected for the gaming intervention. Prior to implementing the intervention, three separate focus groups were conducted with 21 caregivers of PLwD, divided into each of the three focus groups based on their availability, to explore what it is like to care for someone living with dementia, their loved ones’ mood, and their questions or concerns regarding the gaming intervention. Responses were thematically analyzed. Results: In total, 21 caregivers participated in the focus groups. Six themes were identified: mutuality and strategies for coping with varying emotions; new challenges and successes with connecting and relating; multidimensional challenges with adjusting to decline, help-seeking, and providing care; community, social support, and resilience; technology and community resources as tools to ease caregiving burdens, and interest in digital gaming for PLwD. Conclusions: Our results suggest that group-based digital gaming interventions may be useful to both caregivers and PLwD, by offering meaningful opportunities for social engagement.