Experiences of People With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers After Earthquakes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the experiences of individuals with dementia and their caregivers following earthquakes, focusing on identifying challenges, coping mechanisms, and support needs during this critical period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who lived through earthquake events. The data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis to extract meaningful insights into their post-earthquake experiences. The analysis revealed four main themes: (1) Adapting to Change and Addressing Unmet Needs, highlighting how individuals with dementia and their caregivers struggled to adapt to post-disaster circumstances, often facing unmet needs in healthcare and daily living; (2) Crisis Care Dilemma: Balancing Concerns for Loved Ones with Dementia, illustrating the caregivers' internal conflicts in prioritizing their safety while addressing the ongoing care needs of their loved ones with dementia; (3) Healthcare Hurdles: Struggles in Access and Support, shedding light on the difficulties in obtaining timely and appropriate medical care during and after the earthquakes, with limited resources exacerbating the stress of caregiving; and (4) Navigating Challenges: Recommendations for Well-being, presenting practical suggestions from participants on how healthcare and support systems can be improved to better serve this vulnerable group during crises. The findings emphasize the multifaceted and complex nature of post-earthquake experiences for people with dementia and their caregivers. Targeted interventions are essential to provide specialized healthcare services and crisis management support. These interventions should be integrated into policy and practice to ensure that the unique needs of this population are addressed effectively in disaster preparedness and response efforts. The study's insights have important implications for guiding future support strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals with dementia and their caregivers in post-disaster contexts.