Experiences of viewing self in the mirror for men and women with dementia as perceived by their caregivers: A phenomenological study

Aim: To explore and discuss the perceptions and experiences of caregivers who rendered care to persons with dementia who viewed themselves in the mirror. Background: Considerations must be given to caring for those with dementia due to the steady rise of adults 65 and older living with dementia. A literature review revealed limited experiential knowledge concerning aspects of mirror-viewing for persons with dementia. Methods: This phenomenological hermeneutic study was analyzed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. Eighteen participants who cared for individuals with dementia in the home, and long-term care facilities took part in the study. A semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions facilitated an open dialogue about their experiences while caring for persons with dementia when they view themselves in the mirror. Two questions guiding the study were: 1) What are caregivers' perceptions of what they see and believe when they observe dementia patients whom they care view themselves in a mirror? 2) How do the caregivers' perceptions of that experience change over time as the dementia worsens? Results: The structural analysis uncovered a considerable difference between the numbers of mirrors available in the homes as compared to the long-term care facilities. Two phenomenological findings were uncovered: 1) decision to look in the mirror and 2) viewing self in the mirror. Six subsequent subthemes; mirror as a tool, wanting to look presentable, self-recognition, self-confirmation seeing another and the latent stage were revealed. Conclusion: A mirror assessment is needed for individuals who have dementia. Aim: To explore and discuss the perceptions and experiences of caregivers who rendered care to persons with dementia who viewed themselves in the mirror. Background: Considerations must be given to caring for those with dementia due to the steady rise of adults 65 and older living with dementia. A literature review revealed limited experiential knowledge concerning aspects of mirror-viewing for persons with dementia. Methods: This phenomenological hermeneutic study was analyzed using Ricoeur?s theory of interpretation. Eighteen participants who cared for individuals with dementia in the home, and long-term care facilities took part in the study. A semi-structured interview guide with open- ended questions facilitated an open dialogue about their experiences while caring for persons with dementia when they view themselves in the mirror. Two questions guiding the study were: 1) What are caregivers? perceptions of what they see and believe when they observe dementia patients whom they care view themselves in a mirror? 2) How do the caregivers? perceptions of that experience change over time as the dementia worsens? Results: The structural analysis uncovered a considerable difference between the numbers of mirrors available in the homes as compared to the long-term care facilities. Two phenomenological findings were uncovered: 1) decision to look in the mirror and 2) viewing self in the mirror. Six subsequent subthemes; mirror as a tool, wanting to look presentable, self- recognition, self-confirmation seeing another and the latent stage were revealed. Conclusion: A mirror assessment is needed for individuals who have dementia.