The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on the Life of Family Caregivers: A Phenomenological View

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to describe the perception of caregivers about the process of caring for elders with Alzheimer’s disease, analyze the impact of the care process on the caregiver’s life from the biological and emotional aspects, and discuss the changes in the caregiver’s life in the light of Gestalt Therapy. This was a qualitative and descriptive study with a phenomenological analysis. The results showed that family caregivers are in a vulnerable situation because they are usually women who are also aging or are already elderly, who do not receive the necessary support to meet their needs. Because of the demands of providing care for Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers fail to consider their own issues and develop more mechanized ways of relating to their situation, using crystallization as a defense mechanism. Stress and isolation can adversely affect the physical and mental health of caregivers.