Die lewenskwaliteit van verpleegkundige versorgers van Alzheimer-pasiënte

[摘要] English: Dementia of the Alzheimer type is one of the most devastating diseases currently in existence, as it has an incapacitating effect on the sufferers' most important functioning factors, namely their higher cortical functions and personality. The loss that accompanies the disease not only affects the patients, but also challenges their loved ones and their nursing care-givers that have to look after them. The increasing number of victims of Alzheimer's disease is reflected in South African statistics. These growing numbers exert great pressure on the country's health, social and financial services owing to the fulltime nursing care required.This study is an extension of the one by Venter (2000) and was largely qualitative. Its aim was to determine the extent of the effect on the quality of life of the nursing care-givers of Alzheimer patients from the literature on psychofortology. In this regard, particular emphasis was placed on the negative and positive effects that caring for Alzheimer's patients have on the lives of nursing care-givers. The identification of existing psychofortigenic factors in the effective management of demands and the consequent quality of life or psychological well-being was a further aim of this investigation.The sample group consisted of 226 nursing care-givers of Alzheimer patients from institutions in the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Free State. Among others, the respondents had to comment on open questions regarding their work experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a further 10 nursing care-givers of Alzheimer patients from three institutions in the Bloemfontein area. The nursing care-givers also completed Die Lewenstevredenheidsvraelys / Satisfaction with Life Scale of Diener, Emmons, Larson & Griffen (1985) individually.The responses in the interviews and questionnaires were encoded and interpreted by a qualitative analytical approach to determine the experiences and psychofortigenic factors involved in taking care of Alzheimer patients. The results obtained from the Satisfaction with Life Scale were also related to indicate individual nursing care-givers' experience of quality of life.The results of this investigation largely confirm former findings. A high degree of satisfaction with life was revealed. It was found that care-givers experience psychological well-being, usefulness and meaning in spite of the difficult challenges the care-giving situation sets them.The following psychofortigenic factors that are significant in dealing with the demands and the maintenance of psychological well-being were identified among the nursing care-givers: humour, the support of their family and colleagues, faith, relaxation and recreation.The significance of continuous training and support for nursing care-givers were emphasised, as well as the significance of extending psychofortigenic factors that contribute to the promotion and maintenance of quality of life and psychological well-being. The development of a support and training programme, and the establishment of a communication forum among the nursing care-givers and the relatives of Alzheimer patients is advocated.

[发布机构] University of the Free State