An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of caring for a spouse suffering from Alzheimer's Disease: Reviewing the Social Media Forums.

Abstract

This study aims to provide an in-depth view of the lived experience of spouses caring for a partner suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The main research aim was to explore the way in which individuals express themselves through online support groups. It was found in the research of previous literature that caregivers would be more emotionally explicit when expressing themselves through online social support forums. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as means of analysis. The findings of this research provided many different themes through the process of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Most commonly; guilt, loneliness and fear among others. It was found that in a large majority of cases through the data analysed that males caring for their wives much more lengthy and expressive with their thoughts and emotions regarding the disease through the online support forum. It is concluded that whilst these findings are useful in providing an insight of the experience of male caregivers that further research is needed. Key Words; Alzheimer's Disease, Wife, Husband, Caregiver, Social Media, Social Support, Social Support Forum, Expression, Interpretation.