Table 2.

Categories of the Coded data with Exemplar Codes per Category

Category	Exemplar codes
Diagnosis	- after incident - unfamiliarity with dementia - informing care-recipient and relatives
Coping with the symptoms of dementia	- acquired knowledge - home modifications - (not) talking about the symptoms
Assuming the caregiving role	- love - unmarried - avoiding conflicts
Exhaustion	- anger - disappointment - giving up ambitions/interests
Division of care-tasks	- (not) asking for help - hands-on support - changing care situation
Formal care–support	- negative experience - different expectations - no love/attention
Socio-cultural norms	- taboo - differences in care-systems - caring for the other more important than caring for oneself
Family relations	- conflicts - being blamed - relationship with care-recipient