ABSTRACT
The goal of this study was to examine the usefulness of Video Respite (VR) in relation to the abilities of cognitively impaired older adults. Three VR videotapes were shown to residents of a special care unit. Older adults were videotaped as they viewed the VR videotapes to observe their levels of involvement. Analyses of the videotapes of the older adults confirmed that participation varies considerably between and within residents and, further, that cognitive status is not a useful guide in predicting levels of participation. Some residents showed no interest in television in general or in VR, while the elimination of distractions resulted in more sustained viewing for those inclined to participate. The authors' observations suggest ways to optimize the usefulness of VR for formal and informal caregivers.
Subject(s)
Cognition Disorders/psychology , Memory , Music Therapy/methods , Photography , Videotape Recording , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Attention , Attitude to Health , Cognition Disorders/nursing , Female , Geriatric Assessment , Geriatric Nursing/methods , Humans , Male , Nursing Evaluation Research , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
The goal of this research was to examine the relationship of family social support and social conflict to stressors and depression. Fifty-seven caregiving women were interviewed regarding caregiving stressors, social support, and social conflict. Three dimensions of social support and social conflict were assessed: instrumental, informational, and affective. The findings supported the importance of distinguishing between social support and social conflict, and among the three dimensions of support and conflict. Respondents reported higher levels of support than of conflict, but consistent with earlier research, social support was not related as strongly to outcomes as social conflict was. Although instrumental support was related significantly to depression, informational and emotional support was not. Social conflict, however, was significantly related to depression. Both emotional conflict and informational conflict were significant predictors of depression. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Conflict, Psychological , Depression/psychology , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/complications , Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Depression/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Personality Assessment/statistics & numerical data , PsychometricsABSTRACT
This study explores the relationship of daily mood and daily events in a caregiving context. Family caregivers to demented elders (N = 43) kept fourteen-day diaries of: 1) caregiving activities, 2) disruptive patient behaviors, and 3) daily mood. Independent raters and cluster analysis support the hypothesis of three mood patterns. Differences among the three clusters in the relationship of mood and daily caregiving events were explored. The findings indicate that some caregivers are highly distressed by caregiving demands, some report moderate levels of distress, and others show no relationship between mood and daily events. The varied patterns support an individual differences approach to understanding caregiving and in the design of interventions.
Subject(s)
Affect , Caregivers/psychology , Dementia/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Female , Humans , Medical Records , Middle Aged , Social Support , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
This study explored the use of case-managed services for dementia patients and their families. Forty-six primary caregivers, recruited from five case-managed programs and from independent sources, participated in a structured interview. The findings suggest ways in which case-managed services might be structured more effectively for caregivers to dementia patients. Specifically, families seek greater flexibility and increased family input into the service package. Further, caregivers emphasize the need for more information about service eligibility and availability, and the importance of finding a sympathetic person within the system.
Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Consumer Behavior/statistics & numerical data , Home Care Services/standards , Patient Care Planning/standards , Aged , Caregivers/statistics & numerical data , Dementia/rehabilitation , Dementia/therapy , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Frail Elderly , Home Care Services/organization & administration , Home Care Services/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Pennsylvania , Respite CareABSTRACT
Caregivers for dependent elders have been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. This first wave of research demonstrates that caregiving is demanding and may be expensive to the caregiver socially, psychologically, physically, and financially. This article reviews the caregiving literature and focuses on current limitations and future directions for study in two areas: sampling and research design. Specifically suggested are ways to refine sampling procedures and to more carefully define what a caregiver is. In the design of caregiving studies, both group and individual differences offer insight into the impact of caregiving. In addition, dyadic measurement of the caregiver, the elder, and the family are suggested. Finally, in examining a progressive phenomenon such as Alzheimer's disease or memory loss, longitudinal designs are necessary and timely.
