Caregivers’ Utilization of Social Networks and Social Media

Abstract

AbstractA common finding is that an individual’s involvement with family and friends declines after they become a primary caregiver, especially a caregiver to a person with dementia. The demands of dementia caregiving are generally higher than those of nondementia caregiving, and the duration is longer. As a result of technological advances and social trends, people are taking advantage of new opportunities to experience the healing power of human connections on the Internet. The role of caregiver differs in relation to the health conditions and disabilities of the care receiver and variations in the level of intensity and frequency of caregiving activities. In general, time is limited for face-to-face interaction with others. The feeling of obligation and guilt of not being present when needed frequently causes caregivers to restrict their social networks. The caregiver may be able to join a self-help group in real or virtual time and use respite services to maintain their more important social networks. While no set of interventions can completely resolve the stresses of caregiving, there are ways to minimize caregiver’s burdens. Technology-based interventions have resulted in a decrease in caregiver stress and depression.KeywordsOnline social support for caregiversTelephone networksTelecommunications and caregivingMulti-component programs for caregiversCulturally-targeted interventions for ethnic and racial caregivers