Table 2.

The interview guide

Themes/theme areas	Sample question
1. Introduction	How are you doing, as a family caregiver? How has your situation changed lately?
2. Relational emotional changes	How do you consider your relationship with your relative?
3. Positive experiences in the role	Is there anything about your situation now that you consider to be good? • What contributes to these good times? • Why do you think you handle this difficult situation so well? • What is important in order for you to help and support your relative? • Is there anything health care workers can do so that you have more good times together? • Have you ever thought that you have to give up or “drop out” of caregiving? • What keeps you going when things are difficult?
4. Own needs	What do you think about taking care of yourself? • Is it important to prioritize your own needs in your current situation? • Can you prioritize your own needs or those of others? • Are there any conflicts associated with your needs or those of your relative?
5. Conclusion	How does your relative attending a day care center impact on your everyday life? In general, what do you think is important in order for you to do well in your current situation?

Note: The interviews were conducted and analyzed in Norwegian and then the quotations were translated to English by the research group.