‘Families and dementia’: An essential guide for emotional support and family adaptation in institutionalization

ABC FOR UNE

‘Families and dementia’ (EUNSA, 2024) by Sara Jiménez García-Tizón and Ana Calzón de Paz, stands out for its innovative and deeply human approach, designed to support families in the difficult process of institutionalizing a loved one with dementia

This book acts as a Comprehensive professional guide that facilitates adaptation to residencyaddressing the complex emotions and challenges faced by caregivers, and providing practical and psychological strategies aimed at the well-being of both families and the institutionalized person.

The work is divided into two main sections. In the first part, we analyze the institutionalization process of a family member with dementia from a theoretical perspective. Here, the authors describe the factors that motivate this decision and how they emotionally affect caregivers, who experience a variety of reactions ranging from guilt to grief. The first part also explores the lack of family-centered resources in existing intervention programswhich usually prioritize the patient’s adaptation to life in residence without giving equal attention to the needs of family members.

In the second section of the book, the authors present a intervention program that seeks to provide support to family members from pre-admission to final adaptation in the residence. This protocol advocates the active involvement of the family in the care process, offering strategies to reduce stress, improve resilience and strengthen the support network. Through practical sessionsthe program helps caregivers confront dysfunctional feelings and create new identities adapted to their role as caregivers. ‘post carers’. The guide promotes techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation, and exercises for self-care and assertivenessall in order to alleviate the feelings of overload and loss of family members.

He Person-Centered Care (PCA) modelalso detailed in the book, poses a more humane and personalized approach to resident carehighlighting the importance of maintaining the dignity, autonomy and life project of people with dementia. The authors emphasize the importance of adapt the spaces and dynamics of the residence to individual needsthus promoting an environment of collaboration and respect that not only benefits patients but also their families.

In short, ‘Families and dementia’ is an essential work for health professionals, social workers and caregiverssince it offers a renewed and more inclusive perspective in the care of people with dementia. By recognizing and addressing caregiver emotions and challenges, this guide will not only improves the family experiencebut also promotes a comprehensive care approach that humanizes the institutionalization process.