Samenvatting

Artikel van Judith Huis in het Veld, docent onderzoeker van de Hogeschool Inholland verschenen in Research in Gerontological Nursing
ABSTRACT
The current article discusses how and by whom family caregivers want to be supported in selfmanagement
when managing changes in behavior and mood of relatives with dementia and whether
family caregivers consider eHealth a useful tool for self-management support. Four asynchronous online
focus groups were held with 32 family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Transcripts of the
online focus groups were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Family caregivers need support
from professionals or peers in the form of (a) information about dementia and its symptoms, (b) tips and
advice on managing changes in behavior and mood, (c) opportunities to discuss experiences and feelings,
and (d) appreciation and acknowledgement of caregiving. The opinions of family caregivers about
self-management support through eHealth were also reported. Findings suggest a personal approach is
essential to self-management support for family caregivers managing changes in behavior and mood of
relatives with dementia. In addition, self-management support can be provided to some extent through
eHealth, but this medium cannot replace personal contacts entirely.