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Self-Care for Family Carers: Can the Alexander Technique Help?

Wolverson, Emma; Glover, Lesley; Clappison, D. J.

Authors

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Dr Emma Wolverson E.Wolverson@hull.ac.uk
Reader in Ageing and Dementia. Research Lead for Dementia UK.

Lesley Glover

D. J. Clappison



Abstract

Background and purpose: Caring for a family member who is living with dementia can be incredibly challenging. Interventions to support family carers are vital and so carers should be supported to care for themselves and to maintain their own sense of self. The aim of this exploratory study was to explore the views of carers on the potential value of developing an Alexander Technique intervention for family carers of people with dementia. Materials and methods: We delivered a one-off taster session of the Alexander Technique to family carers of people with dementia. Eight carers of people with dementia attended the group session led by two registered Alexander teachers. Post-session questionnaires examined carers’ thoughts on the content, context, and process of learning the Alexander technique. A focus group at the end of the session asked participants to provide feedback on their experience and the perceived benefits for carers. Results: Carers’ satisfaction with the session was high and they reported benefitting from it. Participants appreciated having time for themselves in which they were able to stop to enjoy a moment of calm. They felt they could use the ideas they gained from the session in everyday life. The use of touch in the sessions was also valued by carers. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that the Alexander Technique has the potential to increase carers’ ability to self-care and to support them in their caring. In so doing it has the potential to indirectly help those they care for.

Citation

Wolverson, E., Glover, L., & Clappison, D. J. (2022). Self-Care for Family Carers: Can the Alexander Technique Help?. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 46, Article 101546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101546

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 31, 2022
Online Publication Date Feb 3, 2022
Publication Date 2022-02
Deposit Date Jan 31, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Print ISSN 1744-3881
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 46
Article Number 101546
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101546
Keywords Alexander technique; Family carers; Group intervention
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3919402

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