ABSTRACT

Social workers often address the emotional needs of family caregivers, which are particularly salient during the decision-making process regarding the choice of a living environment for a relative with dementia. In most home care settings, an assessment of caregivers’ needs is not part of routine practices. This study aims to describe the intervention strategies adopted by social workers in relation to caregivers’ emotions during their decision-making process. A qualitative research design was adopted. Seven social workers were recruited from three health and community service facilities in Montreal, Canada. One group and three individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data was analyzed using Miles, Huberman and Saldaña’s method (2013). Seven intervention strategies were identified: investigating emotions, acknowledging emotions, encouraging caregivers to carry on their role, focusing on the rational aspects of the decision, mitigating prejudices against nursing homes, mediating family dynamics and acting upon families’ needs. Some of these strategies are aimed at social workers meeting the demands of their jobs whilst others are centered around soothing caregiver emotions. These results can inform support services and future interventions by grounding them in the realities of service providers.

摘要

社会工作者经常解决家庭照顾者的情感需求，这在为患有痴呆症的亲属选择生活环境的决策过程中尤为突出。在大多数家庭护理环境中，评估护理人员的需求并不是常规做法的一部分。本研究旨在描述社会工作者在其决策过程中对照顾者情绪所采取的干预策略。采用了定性研究设计。从加拿大蒙特利尔的三个卫生和社区服务机构招募了七名社会工作者。进行了一组和三个单独的半结构化访谈。使用 Miles、Huberman 和 Saldaña 的方法 (2013) 分析数据。确定了七种干预策略：调查情绪，承认情绪，鼓励照顾者发挥他们的作用，关注决策的理性方面，减少对疗养院的偏见，调解家庭动态并根据家庭需求采取行动。其中一些策略旨在满足社会工作者的工作需求，而其他策略则侧重于舒缓照顾者的情绪。这些结果可以通过以服务提供者的现实为基础，为支持服务和未来的干预措施提供信息。