Abstract
It is estimated that 40% of caregivers of individuals living with dementia are men (Alzheimer's Association, 2013). As the number of people diagnosed with dementia rises, older male caregivers will increasingly meet the demand for care. Men over the age of 65 may be an especially vulnerable group of caregivers. Support groups are one of the most widely used and popular interventions with family caregivers (Hornillos & Crespo, 2012). However, few studies have examined the support group experience of older male caregivers in providing care for a relative with dementia. This qualitative study explored the caregiving experiences of older male caregivers and their use of a memory loss caregiver support group. Five male caregivers between the ages of 58 and 82 participated in this study. Consistent with past literature, the findings of the present study indicate that overall, older male caregivers find the use of a caregiver support group to be beneficial in providing the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide care for a relative with dementia and also find group to be a safe place for emotional support. The men interviewed for this study share the belief that they face unique challenges as male caregivers and noted that these challenges have led to increased feelings of stress and the need for group support to ease the challenges associated with caregiving.