PENGALAMAN KEUARGA DALAM MERAWAT LANSIA DENGAN GANGGUAN FUNGSI KOGNITIF

Background: Indonesia has entered an aging population phase, characterized by an increase in the number of elderly people. Mood swings and dependence in elderly people with cognitive impairment have an impact on their families as their primary caregivers. The psychological and physical burdens experienced cause stress and potentially increase the risk of elder abuse. Objective: To identify the burden felt by families, strategies for caring for the elderly at home, and family stress management in caring for the elderly with cognitive impairment. Method: The research method used by the researcher was a qualitative method with case studies on three subjects, namely Mrs. U (P1), Mr. S (P2) and Mr. P (P3) This study was validated by triangulation of sources, namely direct semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The techniques used were interviews, observation, and documentation. Result: Data analysis obtained by researcher from the interviews and validated by the participants formulated five themes, namely 1) Family Burden, 2) Lack of Information Support, 3) Home care strategies, 4) Adaptive Coping Mechanisms, 5) Caring for the Elderly as a Form of Devotion. Conclusion: Families are faced with changes in mood and dependence of the elderly with cognitive impairment. Therefore, caregiving skills are needed to improve the quality of life of families and the elderly they care for.