RESUMO
This article describes experiences of geropsychiatric nurses examining the effectiveness of the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold Model for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and briefly reviews the literature on coping and denial. This research project, and those of many other psychiatric nurses, is predicated on the expectation that subjects will be able to acknowledge and report to investigators their personal and intimate responses to the challenges and everyday experiences of caregiving. Clearly, the research findings will be most valid if subjects are completely open about all aspects of their experiences, no matter how painful; yet this is often an idealized expectation. Therefore, this article also explores the concerns of geropsychiatric nurse researchers attempting to balance sensitivity to the needs of subjects and the reliability and validity of the data.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/enfermagem , Cuidadores/psicologia , Pesquisa em Enfermagem Clínica/métodos , Negação em Psicologia , Adaptação Psicológica , Idoso , Pesquisa em Enfermagem Clínica/normas , Coleta de Dados/normas , Humanos , Modelos PsicológicosRESUMO
1. Elders with diminished levels of cognitive functioning are capable of providing meaningful, consistent responses that illustrate individual expressions of self. 2. The demented elder's history and experiences may provide important clues to understanding his or her current behaviors, verbalizations, and perceptions. 3. Humor may be used as a therapeutic intervention for persons with dementia and as a coping strategy for caregivers.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/psicologia , Senso de Humor e Humor como Assunto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Too often innovative and successful mental health and aging programs terminate when external funding sources end. This article describes one such project that has survived and even flourished well beyond the grant period. The original program is set forth, and changes in both the type of services offered and in the clientele are reviewed. The rationale for deviations from the original model are highlighted. Expansion, contraction and reexpansion of the range of services offered, as well as factors that impeded and enhanced program survival, are noted. The critical role of administrative leadership, vision and support for geropsychiatric services and staff is emphasized.
