Table 4 Results coping resources: Examples of condensed meaning units

Condensed meaning unit

Humour to cope with psychic pain [47].

Taking control of dementia by minimising its impact and using humour when describing coping strategies [47].

Using humour to cope with the painful awareness of memory decline [47].

Humour and spirituality to cope [49].

Using humour and laughing at one selves helped handle the change and challenge [50].

Using humour to help dealing with dementia [68].

Using humour as strategy [73].

Dismissing the significance of memory loss, and use humour to cope [63].

Using humour as a saviour [74].

Laughter and humour [27].

Taking part in activities leading to connection with others [66]

Mobilizing resources by accessing external services and friends and families [49]

Acknowledging the value of receiving support [51].

Holding on to their roles in valuable relationships [40].

Promoting reciprocity and maintenance of relationship through food role changes [30].

Sharing emotions [40].

Letting the family steer, represents a shifting orientation toward what is good and meaningful in life [81]

Feeling lucky to be supported by family and home care [57].

Expects their relatives to take care of them. Postponing the decisions about the future [34].

Becoming stupid if you don’t talk to people [67]

Fortunate to be married and being looked after [30].

Holding on to roles in social relationships [94].

Continuing to interact regularly with friends [72].

Sharing the diagnosis with their children [40].

Seeking information about dementia and support [40].

Nearness to the caregiver as an asset [95]