Table 1.
Example of the Analysis Process
| Meaningful Unit | Code | Subtheme | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1(I5): I experience that I have contributed to the better for her, eg, when I accompany her to the hospital, the doctor, etc. | Feeling important to someone | The feeling of doing an important job | Motivation for being a volunteer |
| F1(I2): In many cases, it is good for those who have dementia to be at home and have these opportunities, and that is perhaps what drives us. I think that it is best for them to be at home anyway. | Contributing, so the person with dementia can live at home | ||
| F1(I3): She thinks it is very nice when I visit her. […] We like each other. F1(I5): Then, I was assigned to a woman and it has worked out very well. We are more like friends, and it turns out that she is a former colleague. She lives alone and does not have any close relatives in Norway. I travel a lot so I cannot visit her regularly once a week, but I call her when I am away if I am not abroad. |
Friendship and mutual relations | Joy and connectedness | |
| F2 (I1): I think that an activity friend (aktivitetsvenn) is a good concept. You do something together, something both want to do. F3(I5): Many of the participants used to enjoy hiking but cannot go on their own anymore – so I think it is very positive both ways. I think this suits me well. |
Common interests | ||
| F1(I4): When you get that feeling of being important and they say you are doing a great job and that they are looking forward to seeing you, and you get a shoulder clap. I think that is very nice and then I want to continue as a volunteer. F1(I6): One must desire to keep on and sense that what one does is important. However, I am sure what we do is important. F1(I4): To be appreciated is good. |
Feeling of being important and appreciated | Recognition as a volunteer | |
| F1(I5): The relatives also appreciate me, especially the son who lives abroad. I am blessed with good health myself so I must try to give something back as long as I can. | Appreciated by the relatives | ||
| F1(I6): They should know about us. To be seen by the public authorities, that they think what we do is important. | Appreciated by the relatives |
Abbreviations: F, focus Group; I, informant.