Caregiver Perception in Supporting Communication for People with Dementia

Abstract

Introduction: Dementia progressively impairs cognitive abilities and negatively affecting communication between people with dementia (PWD) and their caregivers. This study explored caregivers’ experiences in communicating with PWD. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study received ethical approval from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (JEP-2024-266). Sixteen family caregivers of PWD were purposively recruited from the Psychiatric Clinic, Occupational Therapy Unit, and Speech Therapy Unit at a public university hospital. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted individually, lasting 30–40 minutes, and were recorded via Microsoft Teams. The transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis. Coding reliability achieved 81.33% agreement, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Results: Two main themes were identified: Communication Challenges (CC) and Strategies to Support Communication (SSC). The CC theme comprised of four subthemes: cognitive deficits, other PWD-related factors, communication difficulties, and impacts on caregivers’ personal lives. The SSC theme comprised of three subthemes: comprehensive support, active engagement, and the use of communication aids. Communication breakdowns, behavioural issues, coexisting health conditions, and limited family support contributed to caregiver stress, whereas memory support, emotional reassurance, cognitive stimulation, and multimodal communication strategies improved interaction. Conclusion: Caregivers’ wellbeing is affected by the cognitive and behavioural challenges of PWD as well as the availability of family support. External support, engagement activities, and communication aids may enhance caregiver–PWD interaction and strengthen social connections. The findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions and caregiver training programs to improve communication experiences and overall quality of life for both caregivers and PWD.