The meaningfulness of participating in support groups for informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: a qualitative systematic review

Background: Support groups are considered an effective way to care for informal caregivers of older adults with dementia and relieve their feelings of stress and burden. Research shows, that participating in support groups seems to be beneficial for the informal caregivers, but with no significant improvements in feelings of stress and burden. It is unclear how support groups can produce a meaningful outcome for the informal caregivers.
Aim: To identify the meaningfulness of participating in support groups for informal caregivers of older adults with dementia living in their own home.
Method: A systematic literature review was conducted based on a peer-reviewed and published review protocol. 233 full-text papers were assessed for eligibility. Five qualitative papers were selected and assessed for methodological quality prior to inclusion using The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. Qualitative research data were extracted and the findings were pooled. This process involved the aggregation of findings to generate a set of statements that represent that aggregation, through assembling the findings rated according to their quality, and categorizing these findings based on similarity in meaning. These categories were subjected to a meta-synthesis that produced a comprehensive set of synthesized findings.
Result: The meta-synthesis produced three synthesized findings: 1. Emotional benefits of peer-based support, 2. Facing the challenges of caregiving, 3. Embracing the future through virtual configurations of group meetings
Conclusion: Peer support is meaningful and beneficial for informal caregivers. The support groups provide a source for obtaining positive emotional support, venting negative feeling and gaining help to deal with the everyday life of caring for older adults with dementia.