Caretakers
Interview
*All patients' and caretakers' names are kept anonymous and will be referred to as Caretaker #1, Caretaker #2, etc. Some answers may be translated from Marathi for readability.
1. What does your routine look like when caring for this patient? In what ways do you help them carry out their daily tasks?
Caretaker #1: Patient care is our preference. We plan our daily routine accordingly. When patient takes rest , we finish our housework. We encourage patient to carry out his daily tasks and wherever he needs help we help him.
Caretaker #3: The patient can perform their own actions, such as showering, eating, and clothing themselves. They also read the newspaper everyday. He takes walks everyday and goes to the temple with the caretaker.
2. Do you experience any challenges (communication, understanding, etc.) when interacting with them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Caretaker #1: Yes, communication is a bit difficult as hearing is impaired. Usually we use same words while communicating to avoid confusion.
Caretaker #2: As a result of dementia, the patient's brain had shrunk and he had difficulties in mobility. His physical activity levels also decreased.
Caretaker #3: We engage in conversation with the patient, sometimes we have to repeat information. He enjoys reminiscing on his past experiences. He just cannot remember recent events, like what he ate yesterday or other small details.
3. Do you engage/interact with this person outside of caring for their needs? What types of activities do you do together?
Caretaker #1: We do many activities together like exercise , watching his favorite channels on TV , going through old photographs, daily prayers , etc.
Caretaker #2: I regret not engaging him earlier, otherwise it may have been easier. But no, not really, as his activity levels have diminished. We tried as much as could, but our efforts fell short.
Caretaker #3: The patient goes out to the cinema, picnics, or even day-trips with their friends. He is always with his friends and does not require a caretaker in these situations.
4. Are you currently performing any actions (memory exercises, meditation, etc.)/administering treatment for their degenerative disease? How have they reacted? Have these treatments improved their condition?
Caretaker #1: Yes, definitely all these efforts work positively. Patient does not respond every time but we encourage him to do so.
Caretaker #2: We started neurophysiologic treatment and other medical care. However, the condition grew so chronic that the patient no longer responded to treatment.
Caretaker #3: Because the patient is old (80+ years), his daily routine consists of going to the temple, reading the newspaper, and getting books from the library. He also enjoys talking and engaging in conversations with his friends. He currently does not have any medical treatment.
5. Does the person you're caring for experience any mental or social struggles like isolation or a feeling of helplessness? If not, what steps did you take to prevent this?
Caretaker #1: No, we don't leave him alone. We share only happy things with him.
Caretaker #2: Yes, he experienced feelings of isolation throughout his dementia.
Caretaker #3: No, we take all the appropriate actions to make sure he is happy and thriving in a comfortable environment.
6. (Optional) What condition does the person you’re caring for have?
Caretaker #1: He is suffering from Parkinson's.
Caretaker #2: He suffered from dementia for 6 years.
Caretaker #3: None, but he is on the borderline of Alzheimer's and dementia. He struggles with memory loss.
7. Any other details you would feel comfortable sharing?
Caretaker #1: Treat patient like any normal family member. Ask his opinion in small small things. They feel better.
Caretaker #2: You should start treatment as early as possible. Keep the patient constantly engaged and if they are not responding, encourage them to do something. The important thing is to make sure they don't lose themselves due to inactivity.
Caretaker #3: He is quite particular about taking medicines. Sometimes, he will forget he has taken pills and requests for them again.