Spirituality and Meaning: A Qualitative Inquiry with Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract Alzheimer's disease has been described as a complex chronic illness that is known to cause significant stress for its caregivers. It has created dramatic role alterations in families, has increasingly more biopsychosocial demands as it progresses, and often taxes caregivers to the point of compromising their own health and well-being. This study used qualitative analyses to explore the stories of Alzheimer's care-givers. Of the 45 caregivers interviewed, all but nine mention an expression or significant event related to spirituality, whether religious or secular in nature. Specifically, twelve caregivers described a negative experience with their spiritual community, whereas twenty-four shared positive encounters. Findings supported the incorporation of a bio-psychosocial-spiritual model of healthcare to optimize caregiver well-being. Recommendations were given to assist family therapists in including spiritual beliefs and faith communities in the design and delivery of services.