This article introduces the partial results of a qualitative study concerning the experiences of caretaker relatives of Turkish migrants suffering from dementia in Berlin. Using problem-centered interviews with seven caretakers (grandchildren) daughters and sons, the collected data concerns the subjective stress and coping strategies of the caretaker circumstances and was evaluated according to a structured content analysis. The statements of the five female respondents and of the two male respondents show, that the sense of guilt, the absence of recognition or acknowledgment and respectively, in the absence of support in the familiar environment are felt as psychological strains. Similarly, increasing social isolation and the high adverse effects concerning privacy appear to effect the subjective stress. The relief as well as coping strategies are the knowledge over the illness and its symptoms, social contact and discussion, faith and beliefs, the inner and the outward alienation as well as the ability to articulate these issues and act out or release emotions (Piechotta 2007, p. 2). © 2008 by Verlag Hans Huber, Hogrefe AG.

Dementia Subjective stress Caretaker family members with a turkish migration background Qualitative study coping strategies

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