Maud Hevink

| 44 Theme 2: Normalization or validation of symptoms Normalization of symptoms “A year ago the carer spoke to her daughter about her concerns, however, her daughter felt she was being overly protective and saw no problems with her father, only what she felt was the natural progression of age” (40) Conflicting interpretations of symptoms “But as of this moment, she is still alright lah, not that serious lah. Occasionally, of course, when she talk, always repeating, still repeating, But other than that, like lunch, dinner or taking medicine, this kind of normal daily work, she still can manage lah.”(39) ‘[T]his is the way of the world. . .. (laughs) There’s nothing special about this. (45) Symptoms perceived as unmanageable or abnormal “One day he got quite aggressive . . . he was doing things that he’d never done before like was getting quite violent, he was throwing things . . . I said to the doctor ‘Look, you know, my mum can’t cope, I can’t cope and I’m afraid to leave my mum alone in the house’. . ..” (46) Theme 3: The support or wishes of the social network Social support in seeking help “I was getting a little bit worried because I knew I was repeating things, but I wasn’t brave enough to take the first step myself so when my daughters asked if I would go to the doctor I said I would.” (38) Pursue testing to accommodate family wishes [Interviewer: did you also consider not being tested, perhaps because you really didn’t want to know?] P22: no, no. P21: I did. But my husband wanted to (.) I thought I’m actually fine, aren’t I? (41) Conflicting views on the necessity of seeking help I think it’s been happening for, well at least five years noticeably for myself, but its definitely been a process because my one sister has she’s seen it, but it’s taken her awhile to see it also, but my brother has just refused to deal with it on any level until just this last month. (daughter) (43) Theme 4: Interaction with HCPs Dismissive reaction of HCP to concerns ‘the family doctor said ‘‘no’’ in the beginning, he did not think of it. He felt I might be too sensitive (45) Consequences of reaction of the HCP I won’t be satisfied till I get that test done... best to get the tablets quickly, because when my husband took those tablets it made a lot of difference...done him more good. (38) (shared) DecisionMaking “Our GP said (.) I would advise you to do it, you are a healthy guy and you can never be too early if there is something special on the market that will reduce the problems or get rid of them. I believe that we didn’t even have an initial appointment because the GP said that tests would need to be done” (41)

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