目標：本研究以鄉村型失智互助家庭的主要照顧者作為研究對象，探討沒有血緣的互助家庭成員如何維繫彼此關係。方法：研究團隊針對7位互助家庭成員進行一對一深度訪談及虛擬社群線上觀察。結果：深度訪談結果發現，互助家庭成員的關係維繫可歸納出「傾聽苦悶」、「共同付出」、「相互照顧」、「避免衝突」及「在虛擬世界中延續關係」等面向，成員之間的關係是「流動的」，彼此關係融洽時，會將對方視為家人，當互動面臨衝突時，會退回非利害關係，進而避免非必要的互動。討論：互助家庭成員需要原生家庭之外的外部支持力量，為了不讓這股社會支持力量消失，成員之間遇見衝突時，寧可隱忍退步，以保持彼此關係的平衡狀態，而LINE群組是延續面對面互動及彼此之間發生衝突時化解不悅的互動平台。

Objectives: This study examined how primary caregivers of mutual support family members with dementia in rural settings maintain their relationships. Methods: One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted with seven mutual support family members to explore their interactions. Results: Several dimensions through which mutual support family members maintain their relationships were identified, including “listening to distress,” “shared contributions,” “caring for each other,” “conflict avoidance,” and “maintaining relationships in the virtual world.” The relationships among mutual support family members were characterized as “fluid.” When interactions were harmonious, they regarded each other as family. By contrast, when conflicts arose, they shifted to a distant relationship style and avoided unnecessary interaction. Conclusions: Mutual support family members require external support beyond that provided by their original families. To maintain this social support system when conflicts arise, these members tend to give in on certain matters to maintain a balanced relationship. LINE groups serve as a means to mitigate unpleasant interactions during conflicts among mutual support family members.

失智者、互助家庭、主要照顧者、關係維繫

dementia, mutual help family, primary caregiver, relational maintenance