Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether a Simulation-based Empathy Enhancement program for Caregivers of the Elderly (SEE-C) was effective in increasing program satisfaction and positive emotional changes of older adults. A total of 100 older adults living alone were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group was interviewed by caregivers who experienced SEE-C while the control group was interviewed by caregivers who did not experience SEE-C. In both elderly groups, post session satisfaction and affective state were assessed using a Session Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ). Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were conducted. The experimental group (n = 49) reported significantly higher scores than the control group (n = 51) for all three categories of SEQ: session-depth (Mann-Whitney U = 1651.5, p = 0.005), session-smoothness (Mann-Whitney U = 1803.0, p = 0.000), and emotion-positivity (Mann-Whitney U = 1783.0, p = 0.000). However, the experimental group had significantly lower scores for the arousal category of SEQ (Mann-Whitney U = 873.5, p = 0.009). SEE-C could have a positive impact on interviews for elderly care in terms of raising the satisfaction of the interviewee.
Highlights
Living alone is potentially a major risk factor for depression and suicide in older adults [1,2]
These employed caregivers are aware of their roles for emotional support of the elderly, they have a high demand for education and resources because they find difficulties in building rapport with the elderly living alone and in providing emotional support [5]
The experimental group was interviewed by direct care workers who were trained through the SEE-C while the control group was interviewed by workers who were not trained through the SEE-C
Summary
Living alone is potentially a major risk factor for depression and suicide in older adults [1,2]. The elderly who are living alone have lower physical functions and life satisfaction levels than those who live with family, and have higher levels of perceived stress and lower levels of perceived health, making them more vulnerable to psychological and social aspects [3]. For this reason, the Korean government has hired direct care workers called “life managers of elderly people living alone” to check the safety of the elderly living alone and to reduce social isolation, providing regular check-in services through home visits once a week and telephone [4]. These employed caregivers are aware of their roles for emotional support of the elderly, they have a high demand for education and resources because they find difficulties in building rapport with the elderly living alone and in providing emotional support [5]
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