The Experience of Family Caregivers Accompanying Older Adults with Dementia During Hospitalization: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the hospitalization journey of people with dementia in Taiwan from their family caregivers' perspectives. Semi-structured interviews with nine caregivers revealed three key themes: care model tensions, psychological/moral burdens, and environmental conflicts. Hospitalization exposes systemic gaps between acute-care efficiency and dementia-friendly needs. Medical social workers play a vital role as humanizing advocates through early psychosocial support, caregiver advocacy, and integrated community transitions.