“Self-care is not selfish” : a qualitative study for understanding and promoting self-care among dementia family caregivers in Singapore

Abstract

Research on self-care, as a growing holistic approach to health, has been heavily dominated by perspectives of mental health and palliative care professionals. However, it has increasingly come to light that self-care may be a lynchpin in resilience building and successful caregiving among dementia family caregivers. As such, the present qualitative study aimed to explore how self-care is understood and practised by Singaporean dementia family caregivers. It also sought to examine facilitators and barriers to self-care which has implications on the promotion of self-care. Qualitative data from reflective sharing and focus group discussions (N = 24) were drawn from the larger Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial for a novel Mindful-Compassion Art Therapy for Dementia Care (MCAT-DC). Family caregivers were between the ages of 31 and 67 and have been caregiving for an average period of 5.56 years. Data analysis adhering to thematic analysis generated four themes and nine subthemes that were organised into the Self-Care in Dementia Caregiving Model. Findings revealed that successful self-care was perceived to be an unselfish endeavour that would bring about benefits to personal health and caregiving (Unselfish Meanings). Family caregivers adopted various self-care strategies, in particular, reflective practices and drawing strength from faith and cultural beliefs (Personalised Practices). Facilitators of self-care including supportive structures and recognising self-care needs (Enabling Factors) were found to potentially combat barriers such as disempowering beliefs and situational challenges (Disabling Factors). Recommendations focused on enhancing support interventions and services to promote self-care were also discussed.