Adult Caregivers Research Articles

Community Support for Aging in Place: A Computational Thematic Analysis of Discussions about Informal Care on Reddit

Adult children often help their older parents maintain independence at home, and this informal caregiving can be overwhelming and challenging to balance with other aspects of life. Yet, adult children's requirements tend to be overlooked when designing technologies to foster aging in place. In this work, we use reflexive thematic analysis to study Reddit content to understand the experiences of adult caregivers and the issues that they face in supporting their parents. The pseudonymous data allowed us to explore three research questions: 1) What are the experiences of adult children as informal helpers for elderly parents? 2) How do adult children currently manage their role as informal helpers? and 3) How might digital technology facilitate communication between aging parents and adult children as informal helpers? Our findings lead to a number of design considerations for technologies that support adult children caring for parents who are aging in place, including: building common ground, establishing boundaries, addressing guilt, encouraging in-person communication, community support for adult children, and adapting to changes in role reciprocity.

Effective Solutions for Caregivers of Older Adults: A Review of Systematic Reviews.

This umbrella review aims to describe caregiver interventions tested across populations of informal caregivers of older adults and to examine the effect of caregiver interventions on depression, burden, and quality of life across intervention types and care-recipient populations. PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, ABIM, Sociological Abstracts, PAIS, and EconLit databases were systematically searched. Forty systematic reviews were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. Most commonly, interventions focused on improving outcomes for caregivers of older adults with dementia. Among the included reviews, caregiver depression was most likely to be reduced by caregiver interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) were most effective. The use of information and communication technologies to deliver caregiver interventions is increasingly common. Standardization of intervention classifications and transparent reports of intervention delivery details will strengthen research in this field.

Determinants of Caregiver Burden Among Spouses of Patients With Kidney Failure: A Qualitative Study.

Spousal caregivers participate extensively in the care of patients with kidney failure. Although previous studies suggested that these caregivers experience a high burden, a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of this burden and strategies to alleviate it are needed. Therefore, this study sought to explore the contributing and alleviating determinants of burden in spousal caregivers of patients with kidney failure. A qualitative interview study with 15 spousal caregivers. Dutch-speaking, adult spousal caregivers were recruited and interviewed by the Dutch Kidney Patients Association for the Kidney Decision Aid. A directed qualitative content analysis using the stress-appraisal model of caregiver burden as a framework to inform a disease-specific model on spousal caregiver burden for kidney failure that characterizes the impact of care provision on all aspects of spousal caregivers' lives, the burden associated with it, and possible mitigating factors. Providing care for patients with kidney failure is complex and burdensome for spousal caregivers and results in many lifestyle changes, which is largely caused by kidney failure-specific tasks and the shifting responsibility for daily life tasks. Spouses identified disease-specific determinants of burden including the impact of kidney disease on afflicted spouses as well as the associated caregiver tasks, e.g., adjusting to dietary restriction and attending dialysis appointments. Dialysis options (e.g., the choice for home or in-center dialysis) were kidney failure-specific moderators of burden. Support of spousal caregivers by healthcare providers plays a key role in preventing overburdening. Potential limited transferability owing to the study of only Dutch-speaking spouses willing to be interviewed and videotaped. This comprehensive overview of the contributing and alleviating determinants of burden experienced by spousal caregivers of patients with kidney failure highlights four principal areas; 1) personal and relational, 2) social environment, 3) healthcare, and 4) work and legislation, in which such burdens occur and may be alleviated.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Sleep and Mental Wellbeing in Family Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities.

Canadian 24-h movement guidelines recommend that adults achieve 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 7-9 h of sleep per night and spend no more than 8-h per day sedentary to optimise health and wellbeing. Using a cross-sectional survey of 131 family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we aimed to (a) determine whether adherence to these guidelines predicts mental wellbeing in family caregivers and (b) explore the relationship between movement behaviours of family caregivers and their loved ones. While MVPA was found to weakly predict wellbeing, sleep and sedentary behaviour did not. The movement behaviours of the family caregivers were not closely related to that of their loved ones. Fostering physical activity is important to promote the wellbeing of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their family caregivers. Opportunities to be active together may be even more beneficial.

DAILY SLEEP HEALTH AMONG WORKING INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS: DELVING INTO CAREGIVING DEMANDS

Abstract Caregiving demands are a key stressor, but little is known about the relationship between caregiving demands and sleep health among working informal caregivers of older adults. We conducted a 5-day daily diary study to examine the relationship between caregiving demands and sleep health among working informal caregivers of older adults in Singapore (N=193). For each day, we examined ‘anticipated caregiving difficulty’ in the morning; in the evening, we assessed ‘total hours spent on caregiving,’ ‘total number of care activities (e.g., personal care, toileting, running errands),’ and ‘experienced caregiving difficulty.’ We further explored their interaction effects on sleep health. Covariates included sociodemographic status, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and care recipients’ functional status. We found that anticipating more caregiving difficulty in the morning was significantly associated with poor sleep health in the evening on top of covariates and actual caregiving demands. We also found a significant interaction between ‘anticipated caregiving difficulty’ and ‘experienced caregiving difficulty.’ Specifically, the relationship between experienced caregiving difficulty in the evening and poorer sleep health was stronger among individuals who anticipated a lower level of difficulty that morning (1SD-lower). Individuals who anticipated a higher level of caregiving difficulty in the morning (1SD-higher) had worse sleep health in the evening regardless of the level of caregiving difficulty experienced during the day. Our findings suggest that the impacts of ‘anticipated caregiving difficulty’ on sleep health go beyond actual caregiving difficulty experienced. The mismatch between anticipated and experienced caregiving difficulty plays a role in sleep health at night.

FINANCIAL FORTITUDE: IMPACT OF CAREGIVING ACROSS GENERATIONS

Abstract There is growing evidence of the economic impact of unpaid family caregiving on physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing. The financial burden of caregiving has not however been fully examined nationally by generation. To address this gap, we examined relationships between generation and selected measures of financial fortitude among caregivers. This cross-sectional study used the 2020 Caregiving in the U.S. Survey to examine any reported impact of caregiving on savings, debt, and bills among adult caregivers who cared for an older adult. The primary independent variable was generation categorized as millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer. Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to model outcomes as functions of generation, controlling for socio-demographic and caregiving variables. Compared to Baby Boomers, millennials had higher odds of reporting impact on savings (OR=1.8; p=.006; 95%CI [1.17, 2.70]), debt (OR=2.2; p< 0.01; 95%CI [1.45, 3.40]), and bills (OR=2.6; < 0.01; 95%CI [1.69, 4.24]). Generation X also had higher odds of reporting impact on savings (OR=1.6; p=.006; 95%CI [1.15, 2.3]) and debt (OR=1.4; p=.03; 95%CI [1.02, 2.17]). Caregivers with higher incomes reported lower odds of impacts on all outcomes while those supporting more activities of daily living and caregiving for longer hours had higher odds. Additionally, caregivers with college degrees reported lower odds of impacts on bills. These findings highlight the role of generational status, socio-demographic and caregiving factors on financial outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and policies that provide financial support to younger caregivers.

THE FORTITUDE FACTOR FOR CAREGIVERS: UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECT OF EMPLOYMENT AND CAREGIVING ON CAREGIVER WELLBEING

Abstract Shifting support services from community-based facilities to home-based settings has highlighted the dual roles of family/friend caregivers. This study investigated challenges experienced by caregivers of vulnerable adults in one east coast state. A convenience sample (N= 2,129) of caregivers, recruited through state and local agencies, completed an anonymous online survey to enhance understanding of caregiving experiences, challenges, and service utilization patterns. This paper focused on employed caregivers who reported greater service utilization than caregivers who were not employed. Within employed caregivers, we found they made workplace compromises to balance caregiving responsibilities including: going in late, taking a less demanding job, taking a leave of absence, and going from full to part-time work. There were positive associations between the number of compromises made in the workplace with caregiver-reported stress levels, financial strain, and service utilization. To address these challenges, employed caregivers reported using various coping strategies including exercise, mental health support, spiritual practice, hobbies, and support groups. Employer support to caregivers included: flexible hours, remote work options, paid sick days, paid family leave, referral/counseling supports, and unpaid family leave. Mixed results were found for relationships between employer supports and caregiver compromises, stress levels and financial strain. Research shows that multiple demands on employees can reduce worker productivity and efficiency. Responding to trends indicating an increase of informal caregivers in the workforce, this study highlights the needed support to promote caregiver resilience and their ability to remain employed. Implications for employers, community agencies, and government systems will be discussed.

MANAGING MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS: FINDINGS BY NATIONAL CLAUDE D. PEPPER OLDER AMERICANS INDEPENDENCE CENTERS

Abstract Multimorbidity is an increasing concern among clinicians, as older adults accumulate chronic conditions that require complex coordination of care. There is an increasing interest among research and clinical communities to understand the impacts of multimorbidity on individuals and how quality of care can be optimized to improve quality of life in the aging population. The primary objective of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers national network is to advance scientific knowledge that will help older adults maintain function, independence, and quality of life. The current symposium highlights recent work put forth by three of the 15 National ‘Pepper’ Centers (Northwestern, Mt. Sinai, UCSF). Graham will present recent findings on how multimorbidity is longitudinally related to physical and mental health-related quality of life, and their cognitive, psychological, social, and health-related determinants. The next three presentations explore the role of caregivers in supporting the health and quality of life of older adults with multimorbidity. O’Conor will discuss complexity of family care dyads management of MCC, by reviewing patient and caregiver perspectives on challenges of successful management at home. Allison will discuss the interplay of care support structures and dementia care needs in the home. Reckrey will discuss results from a qualitative analysis exploring perspectives of geriatricians on the importance of paid caregivers of older adults with MCC. In sum, this symposium will present novel evidence showing the importance of understanding of how multimorbidity and dementia impact caregiving considerations, primary care decisions, and health related quality of life for older adults.

ELDER ABUSE IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS

Abstract With the rapid increase in the aging population, more attention has been paid to studying older adults with dementia. Despite the fact that older adults with dementia are more likely to be abused compared to their cognitively intact counterparts, little attention has been paid to abuse within this population. It is important to recognize the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of this specific group. This systematic review, conducted using the PRISMA model, aims to critically examine, evaluate, and synthesize literature on protective factors and adverse effects of elder abuse among individuals with dementia. A search was undertaken using the Ageline, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed articles published in English up to June 2023. A total of 291 articles were identified by the systematic search, and eight articles were included in the review. The results showed that protective factors related to elder abuse are mainly examined at a perpetrator level, including caregiver-related factors (e.g., caregiver coping strategies), relational factors (e.g., premorbid relationship rewards), and contextual factors (e.g., informal support from family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic). Adverse effects, specifically an increased risk of various medical conditions and poor medication adherence, were identified but less frequently discussed. This review highlights the need for better support and training for caregivers of older adults with dementia, as well as comprehensive policies to prevent elder abuse. It also calls for future research to find ways to protect these older adults and mitigate the adverse effects of elder abuse.

THE CULTURE OF FAMILY CAREGIVING OF OLDER ADULTS AMONG AFRICAN AND AFRO-CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANTS TO THE US AND CANADA

Abstract An increasing number of African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants to the United States and Canada are aging. Older adults are dealing with various health conditions, which makes them increasingly dependent on family members and friends for their health and social needs. The assistance they receive includes help with physical care, transportation, medication assistance, and emotional and social support, amongst others. Caregivers play a pivotal role in maintaining the health of older adults of African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants in the United States and Canada. However, very little is understood about the expectations and culture of family caregiving within this group. This study explores the culture of family caregiving of older adults amongst African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants in the United States and Canada. We conducted a scoping review of the literature with the assistance of two experienced health science librarians using CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, and OVID MEDLINE. Preliminary findings show that while some articles discussed aspects of family caregiving on the African continent, none were specific to family caregivers of older adults living in the United States and Canada. While it is important to understand the cultural implications of family caregiving within African communities, there are nuances of the African and Caribbean diaspora that have serious implications for the health of older adults. This study adds to our understanding of family caregiving among African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants. It points to a need for tailored intervention for supporting family caregivers within African and Afro-Caribbean immigrant communities.

LONGITUDINAL TRAJECTORIES OF CAREGIVING BENEFITS AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Although caregiving is often associated with burden, family caregivers can gain benefits – such as satisfaction, increased self-worth, and improved outlook towards life – from caregiving, which are linked with better care-recipient and caregiver outcomes. Acknowledging the dynamic nature of caregiving, many studies have investigated longitudinal patterns of caregiving burden, but studies on trajectories of caregiving benefits are limited. Furthermore, understanding the heterogeneity in trajectories of caregiving benefits will help identify risk factors linked with trajectories indicating low benefits or protective factors linked with high benefits over time. We conducted group-based trajectory modelling on longitudinal data – gathered at four time points, at six-to-twelve-month intervals – on caregiving benefits (short Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale) from 274 family caregivers of older adults in Singapore. We identified three relatively stable trajectory groups – “fulfilled” (14%, highest benefits), “satisfied” (64%, second highest benefits), and “dissatisfied” (22%, lowest benefits). Relative to caregivers in the “fulfilled” group, those cohabiting with their care-recipients were less likely to be in the “satisfied” group, those more prepared for caregiving or supported by experienced migrant domestic workers were less likely to be in the “dissatisfied” group, and those caring for care-recipients with more behavioral impairments were more likely to be in the “dissatisfied” group. Our findings provide evidence for heterogeneity in trajectories of caregiving benefits, indicate that many caregivers maintain relatively high caregiving benefits over time, and suggest that preparing migrant domestic workers and family caregivers for their caregiving role may contribute towards higher caregiving benefits over time.

MEASURING NATIONAL TRENDS IN SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness have negative implications for the health and care of older adults. Few studies have examined longitudinal patterns of social isolation and loneliness among older adults, or how these experiences are shared by caregivers and personal care networks. This research symposium uses various survey data methods to highlight trends in social isolation, loneliness, and care isolation among older adults and their caregivers. First, we report on trends in social isolation and loneliness over time. Leveraging six waves of data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA), Dr. Mehrabi describes the temporal sequence of social isolation, loneliness, and frailty across 21 years among a national sample of older adults from the Netherlands. Dr. Umoh uses the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to describe trends in intermittent and persistent social isolation among older Americans between 2011–2021. Next, we examine social isolation and loneliness in the context of caregiving. Dr. Clair reports on personal care networks and care isolation among family and friends caring for older adults with Type II diabetes. Dr. Qian uses the National Study on Caregiving (NSOC) to examine prevalence and correlates of social isolation and loneliness among family and unpaid caregivers of older adults. Dr. Pomeroy concludes the session with a discussion of the strengths and challenges of using national survey data to measure social isolation, offering methodological strategies for handling missing data and proxy reports for persons with dementia. Dr. Ornstein, as discussant, synthesizes the implications for policy, practice, and future research.

LIFE COURSE APPROACH TO CAREGIVING FOR AGING PARENTS: THE ROLE OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

Abstract The high strain and burden of caring for aging parents have been well-documented. Few but growing studies have found the effects of earlier distal factors, such as childhood maltreatment, on negative mental health for caregivers of aging parents. Taking a life course approach to intergenerational caregiving, this study examined the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult caregivers of aging parents. Using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), we analyzed a sample of 412 caregivers of aging mothers. We conducted a series of latent class analyses (LCA) for a holistic assessment of the patterns of ACEs among the caregivers. Respondents’ exposure to ACEs available in MIDUS included parental neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault (perpetrator not specified), living with a household member with a substance use issue, and parental divorce/separation/death during childhood. Among the caregivers of mothers, we identified a five-latent-class structure: No/low ACEs (60%), Neglect and Household Challenges (12%), Paternal Abuse (5%), Parental Physical Abuse (16%), and Substantial ACEs (7%). The respondent’s education was significantly associated with latent class membership. Caregivers in the Substantial ACEs class showed consistently worse physical and mental health than those in the No/low ACEs class. The current study contributes to raising awareness of adult-child caregivers who experienced childhood trauma, who may deal with accumulated disadvantages from childhood adversities, their potential correlates, and current caregiving. Further investigations will help find ways to reduce ACEs’ impact in order to promote the health of these caregivers and strengthen their well-being.

Supporting Older Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Perceived Effectiveness of Peer Mentors

This study’s purpose was to determine the effectiveness of relationships between a family support navigator (FSN) and older caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participated in a family support project. The Beach Center’s Family Professional Partnership scale modified for use with older caregivers ( N = 96) was found to be valid and reliable. Two factors (FSN skills and family needs) emerging from the exploratory factor analysis explained 77% of the variance in FSN satisfaction. Most caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied with their FSNs’ ability to build upon their family’s strengths. Analysis of the open-ended comments of caregiver experiences with FSNs yielded four themes (person, process, challenges, and relationships) that supported caregiver satisfaction with peer mentoring.

Young Adult Caregivers for Older Family Members: Setting a New Research Agenda

Abstract Young adults (approximately aged 18 to 29) are frequently involved in caring for older relatives, potentially filling gaps and playing key roles in the network of caregivers. The time is ripe to synthesize the emerging literature on this topic and propose an agenda for future research. This paper identifies key questions for research that will propel the field forward, including: a) Why young adult caregiving warrants distinct consideration from caregiving in midlife or later life, b) Young adult caregivers’ position in the caregiving network and tasks they perform, c) Factors that help determine who becomes a caregiver at this stage of life and who does not, with attention to race/ethnicity, and beliefs about family interdependency. We then address appraisals of caregiving stress and rewards, and potential factors that may buffer the negative impact of caregiving at this stage of life. We extend this discussion to the detriments and benefits of caregiving for well-being. We consider longer-term enduring positive and negative consequences of caregiving at this potentially transformative stage of adulthood. Throughout this paper, we review many of the founding studies and scholars who have laid the groundwork in this emerging field and point out the components of existing models of caregiving that particularly apply to young adult caregivers. We conclude with suggestions for potential policies and programs to allow for young adults to engage in caregiving while also pursuing the roles and activities that align with their values and set them up for a successful adulthood.

Participation factors in a self-quantification program for family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults with long-term care in Japan

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the characteristics of participation in the self-quantification program for family caregivers (CGs) who provide long-term care to community-dwelling older adults. The family CGs, allocated based on the percentage of the nation’s older population who needed care and met the inclusion criteria, who provided caregiving at least once a week for those aged 65 + and who were certified as needing care under the Japanese long-term care insurance program, were collected through online monitors. We compared the characteristics of the program participants and nonparticipants using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 2653 family CGs, including 195 study participants who engaged in self-quantification over 60 days and 2,458 nonparticipants who did not engage in self-quantification, were included in the analysis, with complete data available for all variables of interest. The survey included program participants who were predominantly male (55.9%), with an average age of 54.8 years (SD = 10.2). Participants tended to be fully employed (OR = 1.8; p < 0.01), but they were likely to experience greater burdens (OR = 1.8; p < 0.01) and daily caregiving demands (OR = 1.01; p < 0.01). This research highlights the potential efficacy of self-quantification programs for extensively burdened family CGs, illustrating that the requisites for support vary in accordance with the distinct characteristics of these CGs.

Factors Associated With Depression in Caregivers of Adults With Down Syndrome.

Family caregivers of those with developmental disabilities have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with caregivers of those without development disability. Few studies have examined factors that contribute to caregiver depression, including the appraisal of caregiving responsibilities and the physical fitness and daily function of the care recipient. The purpose of this study was to identify intrapersonal (caregiver) and interpersonal (care recipient) factors associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of adults with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-four adults with DS participating in a 12-month physical activity trial completed physical fitness and function tests (VO2peak, hand grip strength, timed up and go, five times sit to stand) and activities of daily living (ADL) surveys at their baseline visit. Caregivers (n = 24) of the adults with DS completed surveys on caregiving distress, quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms. We evaluated the associations of these assessments on caregiver depressive symptoms using Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlations. Adults with DS were 23 ± 7.5 years, 58% female; caregivers were 54 ± 10 years, 100% female, 96% family members. Caregiver depressive symptoms were significantly associated with caregiving distress (p = 0.024) and caregiving QoL (r = -0.58, p = 0.003). Hand grip strength of care recipients was inversely correlated with caregiver depressive symptoms (r = -0.45, p = 0.03), but other assessments of physical function and ADL were not associated with caregiver depressive symptoms. Caregiver depressive symptoms were related to modifiable factors related to the caregiver and care recipient. Intervening to improve caregiving appraisal and functional strength of the care recipient may positively impact caregiver mental health.

Caregivers and Coping: Well-Being, Depression, and Coping Strategies Among Caregivers of Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities.

This 10-year study followed 134 caregivers of young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities, examining the effects of caregivers' coping strategies, sociodemographic features, and young adult symptomatology on caregiver well-being and depression. Lower caregiver education and higher young adult externalizing behaviors predicted lower well-being and higher depression among caregivers. Caregivers who were Black or mixed-race experienced higher depression than White caregivers. All five coping strategies investigated predicted changes in caregiver well-being and/or depression, with some effects moderated by young adult externalizing behaviors and sociodemographic features. Notably, higher use of positive coping among caregivers of adults with high externalizing behaviors predicted higher caregiver well-being and lower depression. Findings highlight the importance of effective coping strategies for improving caregiver mental health.

Effect of a Social Support Program on the Health-Promoting Lifestyle of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Cancer

Background: Cancer is one of the common diseases in old age that imposes the burden of care on family caregivers, and by creating physical, psychological, and social problems for caregivers, it affects their healthy lifestyle. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of the social support program on the health-promoting lifestyle of family caregivers of older adults with cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 in Dezful-Iran. 58 eligible samples were selected consecutively and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received social support. Walker and Hill-Polerecky’s Health-Promoting Lifestyle tool was completed before and 6 weeks after the intervention in both groups. Data analysis was done using SPSS software v.16. Results: The overall score of the health-promoting lifestyle in the intervention (129.58 ± 15.21) and control (116.13 ± 24.62) groups had a statistically significant difference (P = 0.01). Also, after the intervention, the interpersonal relations subscale in the intervention (24.58 ± 3.00) and control (21.62 ± 5.41) groups and the health responsibility subscale in the intervention (26.68 ± 2.79) and control (5.37 ± 22.00) groups, there was a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). However, this difference was insignificant in other subscales in the two groups after the intervention (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Social Support Programs, in addition to enhancing the lifestyle of family caregivers, can also contribute to improving the quality of care for older adults. The findings of this study recommend sharing insights with nurses, formal and family caregivers of older adults with cancer, and health services policymakers to inform and guide the development of targeted interventions and support systems that can enhance the health-promoting lifestyle of family caregivers of older adults with cancer.

Assessment Of Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Older Adults Living with Visual Impairment in Enugu East Local Government Area

The effect of visual impairment can be profound on older adults as well as their caregivers, affecting their independence, quality of life and ability to navigate daily activities. The study is designed to find out challenges faced by caregivers of older adults living with visual impairments in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique which comprised purposive sampling technique, simple random sampling technique by balloting and availability sampling where used at various stages to select 24 participants which comprised of 4 male and 4 female who were caregivers to visual impairment older adults chosen from eye clinics within the three selected district that made Enugu East. Data was generated using an in-dept interview guide and analysied thematically using quotes from the research participants. The study revealed emotional stress and burden, insufficient time for personal care and activities, financial drain, depression and anxiety as the major challenges of the caregivers to visually impaired older adults, whereas factors such as poor medical facilities, financial constraints, and poor welfare packages where identified to be responsible for the challenges. Further findings revealed social workers could play crucial role by providing emotional support, resource coordination, advocacy, counseling to crisis intervention to assist caregivers cope with these challenges.