Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer'S Disease

This qualitative study explored the impact of caring for a family member with Alzheimer'S on the caregiver'S occupational performance and the perceived influence of respite on occupational performance. Five caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews including the client-centered Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The caregivers described (a) the desire for respite that would be mutually beneficial for the caregiver and the care receiver; (b) the importance of engaging in occupations that provided a mental break from caregiving; and (c) prioritization of occupations for which they would use respite. The findings emphasize the need for client-centered interventions to promote caregiver occupational performance.