009 PP: EXPLORING CARERS' EXPERIENCES OF CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH ADVANCED DEMENTIA

During advanced stages of dementia many people are no longer able to live independently at home. In Australia, home based case management packages were introduced for people with dementia and nursing home level care needs who wanted to remain at home. My PhD study aimed to develop a more in-depth exploration of carers9 experiences of caring for someone with advanced dementia within the context of the formal service system. I undertook semi-structured interviews with carers who were eligible for a package (on a waiting list n=11; currently accessing a package n=14; accessed a package prior to their relative moving into a care home n=12; or prior to their relative9s death n=1). As a PhD study I did not have a second researcher available to code and analyse data in depth. I was able to discuss themes and issues with my supervisors but this was not adequate for ensuring a rigorous analysis. I relied on participants to check my interpretation of the interview using summary reports. Participants were followed up three months after the interview to check whether their circumstances had changed and to reflect on the interview and report. This process proved to be useful as some participants made small clarifications about my interpretation while most indicated that the report was an accurate summary. For some, the report was enlightening and some commented that they appreciated having the opportunity to comment. The summary reports were used to identify themes which were then illustrated with quotes from transcriptions. This paper provides an approach to analysis that aims to reduce the limitation of having a sole researcher analysing qualitative data. This study was undertaken at The University of Melbourne and the National Ageing Research Institute and was financially supported with an Assessment and Better Care Outcomes Dementia Collaborative Research Centre PhD scholarship.