Caregivers Of Elderly People Research Articles

Conhecimento prático e sobrecarga na vida de cuidadores de idosos com demência

AIMS: To analyze the level of knowledge and the life overload of caregivers of elderly people with dementia, correlating these variables with sociodemographic aspects and type of relationship between caregiver and elderly.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2016 and 2017, with caregivers of elderly people with dementia seen at the Geriatrics outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas, Medical School of Marília, in Marília / SP, Brazil. The study included caregivers who accompanied the elderly to the consultations and participated in an important way in their care, comprising family caregivers and contractors without kinship ties. The data were collected through two instruments: the first was the Caregiven Burden Scale questionnaire, which evaluates the subjective impact of overload on the caregiver, and whose overall score can vary from 01 (lower overload) to 04 (higher overload). The second was a questionnaire prepared by the authors, which evaluated the caregiver's usual knowledge about the practice of care, whose scores ranged from zero (no correct answers) to 08 (all correct answers). The distribution curve of the variables was analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the correlations were analyzed by the Spearman test and the comparison of the means used the Analysis of Variance. The results were considered statistically significant when p<0.05.RESULTS: Fifty-two caregivers were included in the study, with a mean age of 55.9±14.4 years, of which 85% were female. Forty-four (84.6%) caregivers had some degree of kinship with the elderly. Regarding knowledge about the practice of care, the mean number of correct answers was 5.5±1.8. There was a positive correlation with statistical significance between the caregiver's level of education and the practical knowledge about care. In the assessment of the caregivers overload, the overall mean was 1.83±0.16. The dimension with the highest mean (2.06±0.37) was the general tension, which refers to the difficulties of solving problems when caring for the elderly. Regarding the type of relationship between caregiver and elderly, the highest overload (2.48±0.53) was identified in the wives.CONCLUSIONS: The higher level of education of the caregiver was associated with better quality of care. The greatest caregiver life overload was identified in wives.

Los Cuidadores Informales de Personas Mayores Dependientes: una Revisión de las Intervenciones Psicológicas de los Últimos Diez Años

In recent decades, several systematic reviews have been carried out in order to know the efficacy of interventions for informal caregivers of dependent elderly, mainly focused on reviewing specific features (e.g., caregivers of elderly people with dementia). In this study, we conducted an updated review of interventions for informal caregivers of dependent elderly in general, using methodological restrictive inclusion criteria. Interventions included in this work (33) have been obtained from Psicodoc, Psyke, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, and Medline. The majority of interventions are cognitivebehavioral ones and achieve significant results. They mainly address emotional variables and burden. Interventions are predominantly applied in a group format and their efficacy is comparable to individual interventions. It is advisable to overcome the limitations of these interventions, especially including follow-up periods to know the stability of results after the intervention.

Difficulties encountered in care for elderly persons with dementia: coping based on participatory research

Abstract Objective: to analyze the proposal of an action plan created by nurses to deal with difficulties in caring for the elderly. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze the difficulties that family caregivers find in relation to access to services, material resources and the support network when meeting the care needs of the elderly in accordance with Brazilian public policy. Method: the methodology of participatory research and content analysis proposed by Bardin was used. The context was the Geriatric service of a university hospital. The group of co-researchers included eight nurses and 12 caregivers of elderly people with dementia. Results: the following categories emerged from the analysis: contradictions and work proposals. The contradictions category revealed reflections about the difference between the proposed care for the elderly and the reality of a lack of care and the precarious conditions of health services. This situation leads to overburdening of caregivers. The work proposals refer to the strategies used by nurses to establish a relationship of support to family caregivers to cope with the difficulties involved in care for the elderly. Conclusion: nurses recognize that they are professionals capable of receiving, listening to and managing the needs of family caregivers of the elderly, thus promoting the health of the elderly and the caregivers themselves, preparing the family of the patient for home care and coping with difficulties experienced in elderly care.

Health literacy among paid caregivers of elderly people: preliminary Resultsof a Tuscan study

Health literacy among paid caregivers of elderly people: preliminary Resultsof a Tuscan study

Gender differences in caregiving among family - caregivers of people with mental illnesses.

All over the world women are the predominant providers of informal care for family members with chronic medical conditions or disabilities, including the elderly and adults with mental illnesses. It has been suggested that there are several societal and cultural demands on women to adopt the role of a family-caregiver. Stress-coping theories propose that women are more likely to be exposed to caregiving stressors, and are likely to perceive, report and cope with these stressors differently from men. Many studies, which have examined gender differences among family-caregivers of people with mental illnesses, have concluded that women spend more time in providing care and carry out personal-care tasks more often than men. These studies have also found that women experience greater mental and physical strain, greater caregiver-burden, and higher levels of psychological distress while providing care. However, almost an equal number of studies have not found any differences between men and women on these aspects. This has led to the view that though there may be certain differences between male and female caregivers, most of these are small in magnitude and of doubtful clinical significance. Accordingly, caregiver-gender is thought to explain only a minor proportion of the variance in negative caregiving outcomes. A similar inconsistency characterizes the explanations provided for gender differences in caregiving such as role expectations, differences in stress, coping and social support, and response biases in reporting distress. Apart from the equivocal and inconsistent evidence, there are other problems in the literature on gender differences in caregiving. Most of the evidence has been derived from studies on caregivers of elderly people who either suffer from dementia or other physical conditions. Similar research on other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or mood disorders is relatively scarce. With changing demographics and social norms men are increasingly assuming roles as caregivers. However, the experience of men while providing care has not been explored adequately. The impact of gender on caregiving outcomes may be mediated by several other variables including patient-related factors, socio-demographic variables, and effects of kinship status, culture and ethnicity, but these have seldom been considered in the research on gender differences. Finally, it is apparent that methodological variations in samples, designs and assessments between studies contribute a great deal to the observed gender differences. This review highlights all these issues and concludes that there is much need for further research in this area if the true nature of gender differences in family-caregiving of mental illnesses is to be discerned.

Índice de Lesões Osteomusculares e sua Correlação com Distúrbios Posturais em Cuidadores de Idosos

An incorrect posture is a bad habit, with high occurrence in tasks that demand force and movement. Posture defects originate from incorrect use of the functional capacities of the muscle-skeleton system in which the main posture changes comprise scoliosis, hyperciphosis, hyperlordosis and osteomuscular lesions. Current paper analyzes the predominance of osteomuscular symptoms and their co-relationships with posture disturbances of caregivers of elderly people in Tabapua SP Brazil. The transversal, quantitative and suggestive research included caregivers of several age brackets and of both genders; only caregivers with neurofunctional problems were excluded from the sample. The Nordic Questionnaire of Osteomuscular Symptoms, an identifying tool for osteomuscular disorders in several anatomic regions, and computerized biophotogrammetry (posturegram), were employed. The latter obtains the distances between anatomic points by means of photographs to determine asymmetries evidenced by a technical report based on determined distances measured by a metric scale. Data showed that the highest occurrence was reported at the lumbar region (40%), followed by the lower limbs (35%). All registered pain and reports on the postural alteration of scoliosis were measured by Thales´s angle, the lower angle from the scapula to the acromion.

Improving Cognitive Impairment of Elderly by an Educational Program for Their Caregivers

Cognitive impairment is associated with increased risk for progression to dementia and functional disability. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an educational program for the caregivers of elderly persons in improving their cognitive impairment. This quasi-experimental design with pre-post assessment was conducted at four geriatric care homes in Cairo governorate on 34 elderly persons having cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score 19 to 24). The researchers prepared the training program for the caregivers. It included knowledge about dementia, instructions to deal with the elderly persons, and a practical part focused on memory aids. The effectiveness of the program was measured by comparing the weekly morning and evening MMSE scores, and comparing the baseline (pre-test) and 8-week (post-test) MMSE scores. The data was from August 2012 to April 2013. The results showed statistically significant improvements in elderly’s MMSE scores (p<0.001). The total MMSE score improved by 3.50 points. All elderly had cognitive impairment before the intervention; this decreased to 29.4% after the intervention (p<0.001). The improvement was markedly higher in the morning measurements compared with the evening ones. In multivariate analysis, the intervention was a statistically significant independent predictor of the improvement in the total MMSE score, in addition to the educational level. In conclusion, training the caregivers of elderly people in mental stimulation and memory aids can improve the cognitive impairment among these persons. The findings corroborate the need for developing intervention programs that equip the caregivers of elderly people with non-pharmacological management strategies that enable them to improve their cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of memory aids in improving the memory of elderly at different stages of dementia.

Perfil de cuidadores de idosos com doença de Alzheimer associado à resiliência

Estudo exploratório-descritivo que objetivou descrever variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde dos cuidadores de idosos com Alzheimer, associando os cuidados realizados à resiliência. Participaram do estudo 101 cuidadores, maiores de 18 anos, que acompanhavam os idosos em unidade básica e em hospital público, no ano 2009. Foram aplicados questionários para perfil, Inventário de Depressão de Beck e Escala de Resiliência. Realizada análise estatística dos dados. A maioria dos cuidadores eram mulheres, sem depressão, recebia ajuda de outras pessoas para cuidar e possuía alto grau de resiliência. Houve associação significativa da resiliência com as variáveis: grau de parentesco, tratamento médico, uso de medicamentos, cansaço, esgotamento, desânimo e saúde mental do cuidador. Saúde física foi associada, significativamente, à experiência no cuidado, sendo que 82 idosos tinham prejuízos cognitivos graves. O idoso no contexto familiar pode ser beneficiado quando o cuidador é mais resiliente.

Atenção integral no cuidado familiar do idoso: desafios para a enfermagem gerontológica no contexto da estratégia de saúde da família

O tema cuidador do idoso tem sido objeto de debates nos encontros científicos da enfermagem brasileira, nos eventos da gerontologia nacional e internacional. Este artigo reflete a palestra apresentada na mesa redonda "A Multidimensionalidade do Processo de Envelhecimento, a Enfermagem e o Cuidado Familiar ", na VIII Jornada Brasileira de Enfermagem Geriátrica e Gerontológica realizada na Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, no mês de abril de 2010. Aborda, em especial, o papel da enfermagem, na atenção básica, junto ao cuidador familiar considerando os contextos urbano e rural.

Cuidado dirigido à saúde bucal: significados atribuídos por cuidadores de idosos

The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the significance attributed to oral health care by a group of caregivers of elderly people. Thirty-three caregivers participated in the study. The data were collected through the presentation of a question that was answered in writing and analyzed through the content analysis method. Four groups of meanings interrelated with oral health care emerged: oral health as a factor of health; as a sociability element; as a symbol of corporal hygiene; and the qualification and determination of oral health importance. For the participants the meaning of oral health provided to the elderly is related to general preventive aspects and to subjective elements of life in society; thus, evidencing the inseparable vision between oral and general health. Oral health care was considered important in the context of life and health conditions of elderly people.

Perfil dos cuidadores de idosos de instituições de longa permanência e a prevalência de sintomatologia dolorosa

A maior parte da população que envelhece no Brasil necessita de um cuidador. O estudo objetivou descrever o perfil dos cuidadores de idosos em instituições de longa permanência e identificar a prevalência de sintomatologia dolorosa nesses profissionais. Elaborou-se questionário contemplando questões sobre aspectos demográficos, caracterização do trabalho, formação profissional e escolaridade, dificuldades na realização diária das atividades profissionais e possibilidades de melhorar tal prática, incluiu-se versão traduzida e validada do Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Foram entrevistados 11 cuidadores, sendo a maioria mulheres, com idade média de 37,6 anos. No quesito escolaridade, o item não-alfabetizado representou 9%, o primeiro grau incompleto e o segundo grau completo representaram 27,2%, e o terceiro grau incompleto, 18,2%. Os participantes informaram que não recebiam treinamento na instituição, sendo esse item citado como responsável pelas dificuldades na prática profissional. Houve presença de dor ou desconforto em algum segmento do sistema musculoesquelético em todos os entrevistados.

An Employee Assistance Program for Caregiver Support

The Comprehensive Caregiver Choices Program provided support for employee caregivers of elderly people for employees at a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Key informant interviews and focus groups provided direction for program development and implementation. A full-time MSW and professionals with expertise in gerontology/geriatrics provided education and care coordination services to caregivers. Approximately 4% of the hospital's workforce participated in the program. Attendees evaluated educational sessions and follow-up interviews were conducted with program participants. Caregiver support programs must continue to seek innovative and creative marketing and service delivery methods to reach out and assist working caregivers in need of support.

Depression among Japanese informal caregivers for elderly people

This study examined the determinants of depression among Japanese informal caregivers for elderly people. Four hundred and fifty-four participants answered questions tapping the subjective evaluation of caregiving situations and depression. A regression analysis revealed that physical strain, negative attitudes of elderly people, unsupportive attitudes of family members, and economic strain significantly increased reports of depression. The discussion considered the importance of interpersonal variables to promote the mental health of informal caregivers in Japan.

Psychological well-being of informal caregivers of elderly people with dementia: Changes over time

Psychological well-being of caregivers of demented elderly people was investigated during two years of follow-up. Three groups of caregivers were distinguished: those providing care for two years after baseline; those whose care-recipient died within the first year after baseline, and those whose care-recipient was institutionalized within the first year. Compared to general population norms, all groups of caregivers showed a great amount of psychological distress, especially those whose elder suffering from dementia deceased within the first year after baseline. The course of psychological well-being of caregivers who continued to provide care during follow-up supported the wear-and-tear model: an overall deterioration of psychological well-being was found (measured by the GHQ-12, SCL-90-R and SWLS) as elders' functioning declined and caregiving at home continued. Specific increases were found on total amount of psychological distress, but also on the SCL-90-R subscales: Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal Sensitivity and Paranoid Ideation and Difficulty with Cognitive Performance. No overall changes were found for caregivers whose demented care-recipient had died or was institutionalized in the first year after baseline. These data suggest that the high level of psychological distress and the deterioration in psychological well-being among informal caregivers of dementia patients is a reason to reconsider the merits of the current trend to have demented older people live on their own as long as possible. Additional support should be considered.

Informal Caregivers of elderly people: an european review

Europe is experiencing a rapid increase in the numbers and proportions of the very old, and the number of older adults with chronic or longstanding diseases and functional limitations is rising. Between 1980 and 2025, the population aged 80 years and over is projected to increase 2·15 times, from in million in 1980 to 23·7 million. As those aged 80 years and over have been the most rapidly growing age-group, it is evident that the prevalence of physical and mental disabilities is of concern. Many suffer from chronic conditions which compromise daily living, although a substantial group are in good health and with little disability.203 Nevertheless as the average age increases, more people need some form of assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, preparing meals and errands (ADL). Reaching the age of 80 years does not necessarily mean losing one's independence; nevertheless the risk increases with age.