Who cares : a phenomenological study of the spiritual needs of male caregivers of female partners experiencing dementia

Abstract

1 online resource (30 pages)Includes abstract and appendix.Includes bibliographical references (pages 29-30).The church has been an important part of the spiritual lives of many people over their lifetime. As people age, infirmity often limits participation in worship and other church related activities1. This phenomenological study examines the spiritual needs of male caregivers of spouses/partners experiencing dementia (PED). One of the defining features of aging is multiple and cumulative losses: identity, memories, reasoning, meaning, relationships, and physical functioning.2 Male caregivers experience the burden of caring in unique ways. It is a lonely, exhausting, unrelenting and thankless time. They are ill-equipped to cope and have few supports. Data reveals, that while caregivers experience all the feelings mentioned above, they also have a deep faith that sustains them, even while feeling abandoned by the church. They exhibit a deep caring and love for their partners as they try to do the best they can in their experience of grief and loss. They were unable to suggest ways the church could address this issue, except to not forget them too. This study sheds light on a group of people with deep spiritual needs, who become lost to the church as their infirmity progresses. As congregations age, and more people experience dementia, the church is encouraged to develop new ways of being a worshiping community, and of meeting the unique needs of PED. It is also an accessibility and a pastoral care issue.</p