| 124 Interviewer: ‘Has anything changed for her do you think [a few months later]?’ Participant: ‘Uh, you say a few months later? Yes. Uh, I, it might have changed markedly, and it, there may be no change at all. Um… and she might not notice those changes regardless of how advanced they have become. John will know…Yes. I think, uh… at that point, months later, depending on how rapidly her progress is down the road, it might be years before John says, “I have to have help for her, I have to be able to get away.” But it might, and it might be months, it might be years.’ Canada, Participant 1 The final scenario which presented a positive conclusion to the 12 months postdiagnosis for Thelma and John consistently prompted both strong positive and negative reactions. For some, they thought the image highlighted that the shock and horror might not last, and they reflected on the fact that it was possible to come to terms with their diagnosis and take back some control. This shows the potential value of research-driven photo-elicitation to present visual stimulus that causes participants with dementia to reflect on something they may not have otherwise done. Interviewer: ‘I’m wondering what this image brings up for you and what you think of this you know a few months later might be going on for Thelma and you know what she’s thinking and feeling at the moment, what you think she’s been doing and might have helped her?’ Participant: ‘See that was probably reflective of me, that I’m at that point in time where I’ve been able to take control back of my life and the good things, I may not have the mathematical skills etc. but that’s irrelevant. I can have conversations the fact that I can be myself because I have control over the destiny of my life, that’s what that brings to me. Sadly, to say from my experience from the people I’ve met I’d probably be one of few who’d be in that situation. So, I would see this as a goal find their diagnosis, that’s what you wanted to hear, that means you have a purpose in life, still make decisions. That has gone.’ Australia, Participant 6 For others, however, the photo represented a scenario that was unrealistic and did not reflect their own situations. Informal caregiver: ‘That picture [final picture].’ Participant: ‘That one just sitting there on that couch.’ Informal caregiver: ‘And she isn’t that like that.’ Participant: ‘I don’t…’
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