Background: To develop a theoretical model explaining the longitudinal changes in the caregiving process for
family caregivers of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Taiwan.
Methods: A longitudinal, grounded theory approach using in-depth face-to-face interviews and an openended
interview guide. We conducted 42 interviews over a two-year period; each participant was interviewed
at least once every six months. All participants were interviewed in their home. The participants total of 13
family caregivers of persons with MCI.
Results: One core theme emerged: “protective preparation.” This reflected the family caregiving process of
preparation for a further decline in cognitive function, and protection from the impact of low self-esteem,
accidents, and symptoms of comorbidities for the family member with MCI. Protective preparation contained
three components: ambivalent normalization, vigilant preparation, and protective management.
Conclusions: Interventions to help family caregivers manage the changes in persons with MCI can reduce
caregiver burden. Our findings could provide a knowledge base for use by healthcare providers to develop
and implement strategies to reduce caregiver burden for family caregivers of persons with MCI.
