Need for Resourcefulness Training for Women Caregivers of Elders with Dementia

Abstract

Nearly ten million American women are caregivers of elders with dementia and may experience overwhelming stress that adversely affects their mental health. Interventions to teach them resourcefulness skills for managing stress can promote optimal mental health and facilitate continued caregiving. However, effectiveness of resourcefulness training (RT) cannot be examined until its need is established. This pilot trial with 138 women caregivers of someone with dementia examined the need for RT using subjective and objective data. Data were collected before and after RT. Data analysis focused on baseline resourcefulness scores (higher scores = lower need); scores in relation to attrition; correlations among resourcefulness, stress, and depressive symptoms; and post-RT evaluation of the need for RT. Baseline resourcefulness scores were normally distributed and showed that 74% of the caregivers had a moderate to high need for RT. Reasons for attrition were unrelated to the need for RT; however, caregivers who dropped out had resourcefulness scores that averaged two points higher than those who remained in the study. Lower resourcefulness was associated greater stress (r = –.37, p < .001) and depressive symptoms (r = –.52, p < .001). Of the 63 caregivers who received RT, 82% (n = 52) reported a felt need for RT and 94% (n = 59) believed that other caregivers need RT. The results suggest a substantial need for resourcefulness training in women dementia caregivers and support moving forward to test RT's effectiveness for reducing caregiver stress and depressive symptoms.