The aim of this study was to explore spouses' roles in a relationship with a partner with dementia and to understand spouses' situations at home. The study was focusing on gender roles and authority in relationships between the spousal caregivers and their partners with dementia. The method used for this study was qualitative content analysis and the data was collected from seven interviews with spousal caregivers about their roles as partners of people with dementia. By critically examining Twiggs three models, carers as resources, caregivers as co-workers and carers as co-clients, we have been able to visualize how spouses can look upon their role to their partners with dementia. A fourth model has been added to a modification of Twiggs models, because spouse's roles didn't fit into any of Twiggs already existing models. There is not a big gender difference about spousal care for a partner, and the caregivers are in a highly extent affected of the situation with a partner with dementia. Spouses role can fit in with partners as carers, which is a fourth model added to Twiggs original three models.

Lung transplantation is a treatment for patients with end stage lung disease; they will not survive without such surgery. A caregiver is essential for a patient to become eligible for a lung transplant and the caregiver plays an essential role in the transplant recipient’s care both before and after transplant surgery. Most caregiver research has been conducted on caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or on elderly patients, however, it is important to examine caregivers’ experiences caring for other patient groups with disabling conditions. Caregivers of transplant recipients are one such group. The purpose of this qualitative study, using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, was to examine the lived experiences of caregivers of lung transplant recipients pre- and post-lung transplantation. The study used semi- structured, face to face, tape recorded in- depth interviews to document the experiences of a purposive sampling of 20 caregivers of lung transplant recipients. Interviews (English, Spanish) were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for emerging themes. The resulting 4 themes and 12 sub themes were: 1) Establishing the diagnosis; 2) Caregivers roles; 3) Caregivers psychological and psychosocial Issues; and 4) Support. The 12 sub themes were:1) Caregivers reaction to transplant option; 2) Caregivers’ lack of basic knowledge as related to lung transplant 3) Disease progression: Reality of unanticipated changes/fear of death; 4) Pre- transplant experiences; 5) Hospital course; 6) Home care; 7) Lifestyle changes and Social activities;8) Physical health and Emotional health ; 9) Financial and Employment issues;10) Family/Friends;11) Professional support; 12) Support groups. Study results demonstrated caregivers’ lack of knowledge about transplantation, dramatic changes in caregivers ‘family life, social activities, employment, and often financial status. Results also demonstrated a need for health care providers and policy makers to recognize caregivers’ stressful life changes and implement informational, psychological and emotional interventions and policies to assist these caregivers during their stressful and tedious experiences.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal