(27/02) Re.:Family/Friends interviews- primary research. Pt. 2

Although I do not currently have in person contact with my family and extended family that were the primary carers for my Grandad as he developed Alzheimer’s I definitely knew I wanted their first hand account of the events. The information on how they coped, how they prepared themselves for what they knew would happen, and then how their experience differed from what they’d been informed on. Also now, years down the line, what memories of the whole ordeal were most vivid, and did they change their perception of Grandad.

I know I want an audio recording, either me screen recording a skype call in which I ask them questions, but it will also enable the conversation to open up organically and allow them to process what ever emotions occur without the pressure of the situation. Or if I cannot get ahold of them I can send the questions via email and ask them to either record themselves with whatever means they have to then send back, or write up a response. I would prefer a recording over a written response so that their initial thoughts aren’t edited, and it is less composed showing their sensitivity, and thus that of the topic. I kept the question fairly open wanting whatever is strongest of the memory to come through in their answers, all of them along the lines of:

-(I structured it so that each Q. was a talking point and then I’d guide the conversation, adapting to their answers, to hit the other questions I’d grouped with it, to make this “interview” as informal as possible. I did have the benefit of knowing each person I interviewed personally, making this sensitivity both natural and appropriate for the subject matter. I also have the knowledge of the time frame over which Grandads (Fred Hogarth) progression until death, having been present but younger during it. So I didn’t have to ask for information that wasn’t a hundred percent relevant to the discussion.)

Q. Do you remember when Grandad told you he had Alzheimers? How was it explained to you, and by who? Where was it? What was your first response?

(For mum, relation being daughter, specifically) Q. Do you know how you explained the situation to me and Alex (my brother)?

Q. What measures did you put into place upon hearing the news? What prompted the amount of research you did? What did you want to know? How much did you want to know?

Q. When did it first hit you properly that he had Alzheimer’s?

Q. What coping mechanisms did you have? What coping mechanisms did Grandad have? How did it emotionally/ physically impact him as it progressed? How did your experience differentiate from what you’d been told would happen? How was it the same?

Q. How does it effect your memory of him now? Did it effect your relationship with him?