Experiences of caring for a family member with Parkinson's disease: a meta-synthesis.
The aim of this qualitative meta-synthesis was to search and then synthesise family caregivers' experiences of providing care to individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).



A systematic search resulted in the identification of 11 qualitative studies. Noblit and Hare's seven-stage approach was used to provide a higher-order interpretation of how family caregivers' experienced the effects of taking on a caregiving role.



The process of reciprocal translation resulted in four overarching themes: (1) the need to carry on as usual - 'the caregiver must continue with his life'; (2) the importance of support in facilitating coping - 'I'm still going back to the support group'; (3) the difficult balancing act between caregiving and caregiver needs - 'I cannot get sick because I'm a caregiver'; (4) conflicts in seeking information and knowledge - 'maybe better not to know'.



The themes reflected different aspects of family caregivers' lives that were affected as a result of caring for a relative diagnosed with PD and these raise challenges for more simplistic theories of family caring and appropriate support structures. The findings also highlight several recommendations for clinical practice.
a Division of Health Research , Lancaster University , Lancaster , United Kingdom.
Rachael
R
Theed
a Division of Health Research , Lancaster University , Lancaster , United Kingdom.
Fiona
0000-0003-1484-2703
F
Eccles
a Division of Health Research , Lancaster University , Lancaster , United Kingdom.
Jane
0000-0001-5071-4077
J
Simpson
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000451:nursing*
Parkinson's disease; caregiver; caregiving; family