Family carers’ perspectives of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland

Background: The Alzheimer Cafe is a psychosocial intervention shown to have benefits for family carers of people with dementia. Family carers of people with dementia experience a period of change across all aspects of their lives following a diagnosis of dementia, requiring the development of new skills and tools to navigate these new landscapes. The objective of this research is to investigate family carers’ perspectives of the Alzheimer Cafe in Ireland, and to explore how attendance may translate into broader benefits in their lives. This paper will also provide an overview of Alzheimer Cafe models, which exist internationally. Methods: This is a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with nine family carers of people with dementia who were currently attending or have previously attended an Alzheimer Cafe in the preceding six months. The research was conducted in three Alzheimer Cafe sites in Ireland. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s six step framework for thematic analysis. Results: Community, atmosphere, activity and information were described as core features of the Alzheimer Cafe in Ireland for family carers. The Alzheimer Cafe was shown to provide a social outlet which facilitated relationship building within care dyads as well as with other attendees. Several information avenues were identified including broad overviews from guest speakers, attendees’ shared experiences, and specific advice from healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The Alzheimer Cafe offers strong personal support to family carers of people with dementia. It can also help to build family carers’ capacity to manage new social, environmental and cultural challenges associated with dementia. While it is important the Alzheimer Cafe is enjoyable, has useful information and is supportive, it is equally important that these features generate sustained improvements for family carers external to the Alzheimer Cafe.