Family Caregivers Of Elderly People Research Articles

Outpatient Care Service: Predictors Of Current And Future Use Of Outpatient Care Service By Family Members Providing Informal Care To Elderly Persons In Long-Term Home Care

In Germany, people in need of care are usually cared for at home by their informal caregivers. The outpatient care service represents a central pillar in the home care of people in need of care. The aim of this article was to analyse the factors influencing the current as well the future use of outpatient care service. With the cross-sectional study Benefits of Being a Caregiver (October 2019 - March 2020) overall 958 family caregivers of elderly people in need of care from Bavaria were interviewed. In addition to the characteristics of the caregivers and those in need of care, information on the care situation as well as the current and desired future use of outpatient care service were collected. Two binary logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the predictors of the use. The outpatient care service was used by 368 (38%) care giving relatives or those in need of care currently or recently. 236 family caregivers (40% of current non-users) stated that they would like to use an outpatient care service in the future. As predictors for the current use, the relationship non-partner, a higher care level of the persons in need of care and the perception of caregivers of not being able to manage care-giving were determined. Predisposing factors for the desired future use were the desire for current informal help and a lower care level. Family caregivers using the outpatient care service state that they are less able to cope with home care. Therefore, this service should focus its counselling on the empowerment of the caregivers. Moreover, the users are predominantly employed daughters or daughters-in-law who live in separate households. Therefore, the reliability of the offer is a basic condition for being able to maintain home care. In the future, a considerable increase in the number of informal care givers wishing to use outpatient care services is to be expected. Efforts should therefore be made to enlarge the range of services.

Building care gerontotechnologies in the context of elderly person with Alzheimer's disease

Objective: to build care gerontotechnologies to help family caregivers with the difficulties experienced in the context of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: strategic action research carried out with seven family caregivers of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease and 12 health academics from a university. Data was gathered from the family caregivers using a semi-structured interview. Three focus groups were held with the academics. The data was submitted to the discursive textual analysis technique. Results: eight difficulties experienced by family caregivers emerged, corresponding to cognitive aspects, Activities of Daily Living and issues relating to family care. It was possible to construct 14 care gerontotechnologies in product form. Conclusion: gerontotechnologies were built to help family caregivers with the difficulties experienced by elderly people living with Alzheimer's disease. Contributions to practice: the gerontotechnologies developed have the potential to contribute to the care process, since they can be used by family caregivers on a daily basic and can be adapted to each reality, based on the unique needs of each elderly person.

Relieving care burden and promoting health-related quality of life for family caregivers of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease via an empowerment program.

BackgroundEffective strategies should be adopted to reduce care burden (CB) and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in family caregivers (FCGs) of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of empowerment program (EP) on CB and HRQoL of FCGs.MethodsThe present two-group experimental study was conducted on 70 FCGs of the elderly with AD who were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the empowerment program group (EPG, n = 35) and control group (CG, n = 35). Data collection tools were 12-item Short Form Health Survey and Zarit Burden Interview. The EP was held for 5 weeks, one session of 20 to 30 min each week. Data were collected before, immediately and 3 months after EP and analyzed by SPSS version 25 software at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe results showed a significant decrease in the mean CB score in FCGs of elderly with AD in EPG before, immediately and 3 months after EP (p < 0.001). The result also revealed that there was a significant increase in the mean HRQoL score in EPG immediately and 3 months after EP (p < 0.001).ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, EP can reduce CB and increase HRQoL in FCGs of elderly with AD. Policymakers and planners active in the field of healthcare for the elderly can benefit from the results of our study to improve the health of FCGs of the elderly with AD.

Caring for elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of family caregivers.

To build a theoretical model that represents the experience of family caregivers of elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative study that used the Grounded Theory as a methodology, carried out in Minas Gerais State in August 2020. 16 caregivers were interviewed. Uncomfortable emotions emerged and drove the caregivers' actions to: adopt preventive measures to protect the elderly from contracting the coronavirus; guarantee their healthcare; and make them aware of the pandemic. However, when these emotions manifested in an exacerbated manner, they needed to be alleviated so that they could adopt such initiatives. The emotions felt by caregivers can compromise their health and quality of life. Therefore, health professionals need to create strategies to ensure that they are well assisted, enabling care through telehealth. Guidance on the pandemic for caregivers could reflect better care for the elderly people.

Personalidade e Autocuidado de Cuidadores de Idosos: estudo transversal

Objetivo: Analisar a relação existente entre os traços de personalidade e o autocuidado em cuidadores familiares de idosos com Alzheimer. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com 118 cuidadores familiares de idosos com Alzheimer, participantes de dois centros Centro de Atenção à Saúde do Idoso no período de maio a dezembro de 2015. Resultados: 38,1% dos cuidadores apresentaram neuroticismo baixo; 46,6% apresentaram extroversão média; 45,8% apresentaram abertura média; 36,4% apresentaram amabilidade alta e 40,7% dos cuidadores apresentaram conscienciosidade alta. Mensuração da escala Appraisal of Self Care Agency Scale-Revised - ASA-R - fator “Tendo Poder”- média de 4,07/desvio padrão 0,81; “Desenvolvendo Poder”- média de 4,17/desvio padrão de 0,63 e “Faltando Poder”- média 2,81/desvio padrão 1,11, evidenciando maior variação. Houve influência significativa e negativa do Neuroticismo sobre o fator “Faltando Poder”. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário conhecer o perfil, os traços de personalidade e a valoração específica da escala de autocuidado em suas dimensões para direcionar a assistência.

Development and validation a nursing care protocol with educational interventions for family caregivers of elderly people after stroke.

development and validation the content of a nursing care protocol with educational interventions for family caregivers of elderly people after stroke. a methodological study conducted in three stages: (1) protocol development through literature review; (2) pretest with multidisciplinary team, analyzed with literature articulation; (3) protocol validation by the Delphi Technique. the protocol was structured in the following areas: Disease Guidelines; Emotional Support; Using the Health Care Network; Diet; Airways; Medications; Hygiene; Skin Care; Disposal; Dressing/Undressing; Positioning and Transfer; Fall Prevention. In the pretest, eight experts assessed protocol clarity and content. In validation, there were two rounds by the Delphi Technique. The validated protocol consisted of 12 domains, containing 42 items and 240 care guidelines. the protocol qualifies the transition of care after hospital discharge assisting nurses in home care practice.

Situações vivenciadas por cuidadores familiares de idosos na atenção domiciliar

Objetivo: identificar situações positivas e negativas vivenciadas por cuidadores familiares de idosos atendidos em um Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar. Método: estudo qualitativo, com coleta de dados de março a maio de 2015, por meio de formulário sociodemográfico e entrevista semiestruturada, submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática e organizados em duas categorias, conforme a Técnica de Incidentes Críticos. Resultados: participaram oito cuidadores. As situações negativas incluem inexperiência prévia e desconhecimento de tecnologias utilizadas para o cuidado; estar sozinho para o cuidado e alterações psicofisiológicas do cuidador. As situações positivas sintetizam o conforto de estar em casa, apoio do Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar e redução nos gastos com deslocamento até serviço de saúde. Conclusão: conhecer as situações positivas e negativas vivenciadas pelos cuidadores familiares, subsidia o planejamento de ações pela equipe de saúde, com vistas a fortalecer as potencialidades, reduzir as dificuldades dos cuidadores e qualificar o cuidado domiciliar.

Patterns of use of time by family caregivers of elderly persons with dementia

Abstract Objectives: to describe patterns of use of time in family caregivers of elderly people with dementia, considering the characteristics of the caregivers, the care recipients and the context. Method: Fifty family caregivers of elderly people with intermediate and high levels of physical and cognitive disability participated in an interview about time spent on obligatory care activities over four periods of six hours during a 24-hour period. In addition, a questionnaire about social activities, scales of physical and cognitive functionality of the elderly and an inventory of burden in the family caregivers were applied. Results: 88.0% of the caregivers were women, with a mean age of 57.9 (±11.2) years; 45.92% of the time of the caregivers was used in care activities, 36.92% in discretionary activities, 31.17% in recuperation, and 25.67% in the obligatory activities of the life of the caregiver. The greater the dependence, the longer the care, the less time for self-care and greater the caregivers’ subjective burden. Conclusion: The level of dependence of elderly persons affected by dementia results in an increase in caregiving time and competes with other activities performed by the caregiver. Reorganization of the use of time by family caregivers and provision of formal support can reduce the caregiving burden and benefit the well-being of caregivers.

GERONTOTECNOLOGIAS UTILIZADAS PELOS FAMILIARES/CUIDADORES DE IDOSOS COM ALZHEIMER: CONTRIBUIÇÃO AO CUIDADO COMPLEXO

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar gerontotecnologias desenvolvidas/empregadas pelos familiares/cuidadores como estratégias de cuidado complexo à pessoa idosa/família com doença de Alzheimer. Método: estudo exploratório, descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com 13 familiares/cuidadores de pessoas idosas, participantes de grupo de apoio de uma instituição universitária do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados, de janeiro a abril de 2016, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e submetidos à análise textual discursiva. Resultados: identificaram-se gerontotecnologias empregadas/sugeridas pelos familiares/cuidadores, com relação ao esquecimento da própria casa/caminho de casa; à não aceitação do banho; à repetição e irritabilidade; à medicação; ao dinheiro; ao desconhecimento/estigmatização da doença de Alzheimer; ao risco de queda; ao controle dos cuidados. Conclusão: os familiares/cuidadores de pessoas idosas com doença de Alzheimer vivenciam dificuldades nos aspectos físico, mental e social, para as quais desenvolvem/empregam gerontotecnologias na forma de produto e de processo/conhecimento/estratégias, para auxiliá-los no cuidado/convivência com a pessoa idosa com a doença de Alzheimer.

FATORES ASSOCIADOS À QUALIDADE DE VIDA DE CUIDADORES FAMILIARES DE IDOSOS

Objective: To identify factors associated with the quality of life of family caregivers of elderly people living at home. Material and method: Cross-sectional and census study carried out with 71 caregivers of elderly residents in an inland city of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected using the Katz instruments for the assessment of functional independence, socio-demographic and health survey, Zarit overload scale and WHOQOLBREF to measure quality of life. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, correlation and multiple linear regression were applied. Results: Most of the sample corresponded to middle-aged or elderly female caregivers with reduced individual monthly income, affected by disease and responsible for dependent elderly people. Among the factors associated with quality of life of these people are age, income and caregiver overload; the degree of dependence and gender of the elderly person, as well as the number of people residing in the same household. Conclusion: The factors that had a bigger impact on the caregiver’s quality of life were overload and the degree of dependence of the elderly person. Strategies to strengthen social support and guidance on elderly care are essential and can help reduce overload and improve caregiver’s quality of life.

Influence of environmental factors on well-being and care burden of elderly family caregivers: a bayesian structural equation modeling approach

In Japan, the magnitude of the care burden and difficulties with continuity of in-home care among elderly caregivers have been reported, but support systems for elderly family caregivers remain insufficient. This study aimed to test a hypothetic model holding that environmental factors influence elderly family caregivers’ well-being and care burden. Participants were 60 family caregivers of elderly people with care needs who were aged ≥60 years (24 men and 36 women; mean age, 75.7 ± 8.9 years). The study was approved by the Kibi International University Ethical Review Board (No. 17-16). Participants underwent a demographic survey, the Comprehensive Environmental Questionnaire (CEQ), a short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and the Visual Analogue Scale of Happiness, and the generated hypothetical model was assessed by means of Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling (BSEM). When the hypothetical model was assessed using BSEM, environmental factors were found to influence the well-being more strongly (standardized coefficient [sc] = .406) than the care burden (sc = −.377). Factor loading of environmental factors was largest in family environment, followed by secure living environment, and interactive environment. In addition, the gender of the caregiver also influenced the care burden (sc = −.324) and well-being (sc = −.275). The posterior predictive P -value of the final model was 0.170. This study assessed a hypothetic model holding that environmental factors influence elderly family caregivers’ well-being and care burden, and that the gender of the caregiver is a covariate. Women's care burden was strong, while men's well-being was low. Accordingly, by supporting an interactive environment, a secure living environment, and a family environment as mapped by the CEQ, it may be possible to improve the well-being and mitigate the care burden of elderly family caregivers.

Experience of a Special Rating Dementia Service for Family Caregivers of Elderly People with Dementia

Purpose: This study tries to explore experiences with a special rating dementia service among family caregivers of elderly people with dementia. Methods: The participants were 11 family caregivers of elderly people with dementia and had used a day-care service from the special rating dementia service for more than 3 months. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three categories emerged: “reminiscence of an entangled life”, “feeling relieved from a stifled life”, and “hope for a better life through help and support” with 8 sub-categories and 23 codes. By using the special rating dementia service, the participants experienced relief from the burden of caring for their elderly family member with dementia and restored their social relations or family relationships. They experienced a positive transition in which their caring for elderly family members with dementia was integrated into their daily lives, and they expressed their desires for better policies. Conclusion: These findings imply the importance and necessity of the special rating dementia service. Practical and systematic family support programs are necessary and proactive publicity activities by the government and public agencies are suggested to ensure that family caregivers can easily use the special rating dementia system.

CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS: PERCEPÇÃO DE CUIDADORES FAMILIARES DE IDOSOS EM TRATAMENTO ONCOLÓGICO

Objetivo: Investigar a percepção acerca de cuidados paliativos de cuidadores familiares de idosos em tratamento oncológico cadastrados em uma Associação de Combate ao Câncer. Metodologia: Pesquisa de campo, descritiva, do tipo transversal, de abordagem qualitativa, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, que foram transcritas e categorizadas. Resultados: foram identificadas seis categorias que demonstram que os cuidadores apesar de não terem muito conhecimento acerca de cuidados paliativos, os praticam em dimensões variadas, seja oferecendo uma alimentação saudável, realizando higiene adequada, buscando o alívio da dor e mantendo atenção e cuidado quanto a medicação prescrita. Alguns referem que se sentem desamparados e sobrecarregados ao oferecer os cuidados necessários ao familiar com câncer, além de enfrentar limitações físicas. A enfermagem tem papel fundamental nos cuidados paliativos e na atenção aos cuidadores, no sentido de traçar estratégias de ensino e capacitação desses para que possam aprimorar o ato de cuidar e se sintam mais amparados.Descritores: Cuidados Paliativos; Neoplasias; Idoso.

Evaluation of a therapeutic education program for French family caregivers of elderly people suffering from major neurocognitive disorders: Preliminary study

ABSTRACTThe pertinence of a therapeutic program of education has been studied with regard to carers of patients suffering from major neurocognitive disorders. The program, adapted to the needs expressed by the carers, consisted of three workshops with a view to supplying general information about the pathologies, specific information on behavioral disorders, and specific aids to identify and manage their emotional reactions. The results of this preliminary study show a moderate significant benefit to the level of anxiety in the participants, taking into account the specific expectations of the carers and bringing to light further needs.

認知症高齢者の家族介護者の役割間葛藤の測定

We developed a scale to measure inter-role conflict among employed family caregivers of elderly people with dementia, titled the Caregiving-Work Conflict Scale (CWCS). In study 1, items for the scale were selected, and factor structure and internal consistency were examined. In study 2, test-retest reliability of the scale was examined. In study 3, validity of the scales was examined using different samples compared to study 1 and 2. Results show that the CWCS, consisting of 20 items in 5 subscales corresponding to a bidirectional construct of inter-role conflict (caregiving interfering with work and work interfering with caregiving), was reliable and valid. We also show that when we consider cognitive appraisal in addition to frequency of experience in the assessment of inter-role conflict, no significant differences were observed in predicting stress and caregiving burden. We discuss the assessment and structure of inter-role conflict among employed family caregivers of elderly people with dementia.

Unmet Needs for Family Caregivers of Elderly People With Dementia Living in Italy: What Do We Know So Far and What Should We Do Next?

Care of the elderly with dementia represents one of the major challenges for the modern society worldwide. The burden of dementia care often falls on the family members, entailing heavy psychosocial and economic consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the caregiver’s perspective concerning the support for disease management on behalf of the physicians and the local Sicilian administrations (Italy), and the burden of care and effects on their lifestyle, to propose new prevention strategies and service for managing dementia and caregiver’s burden. Fifty-nine caregivers of Italian elderly people with dementia (mean age, 73; age range: 63-83) were interviewed, and 55 of them completed an ad hoc self-report questionnaire composed of 54 multiple-choice questions. Our findings suggest that caregivers need more information on the disease’s management, as well as on how to deal with the stress due to the disease burden. Moreover, a negative perception about the services offered from the local administration emerged. Assistive technology (AT) could be useful in promoting interaction between general practitioners and specialized centers for diagnosis, pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, and in saving costs. Moreover, case manager could follow patients and support family members within the care pathway, besides collecting and sharing information among the different health professionals involved. Further studies should be aimed at investigating whether AT and/or the use of specific educational strategies could be the right approach for meeting the needs of families living with dementia.

Care Burden and Self-Efficacy Levels of Family Caregivers of Elderly People in Turkey.

The aim of this research was to determine the level of burden and self-efficacy among family caregivers of elderly people in Turkey. This study is descriptive and cross-sectional. A total of 658 family caregivers of elderly people were included in the study. The data were collected with a caregiver's characteristics form, elderly people's characteristics form, the Zarit Burden Interview, the self-efficacy scale, and the Barthell Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 program. What are care burden and self-efficacy levels of the caregivers? Is there a relationship between care burden and self-efficacy levels of the caregivers with variables such as age, duration of care, sex, status of education, type of relationship, and status of employment that belong to the caregiver? Is there a relationship between care burden and self-efficacy levels of the caregivers with variables such as age and Bartell Index that belong to the elderly? The caregiver burden score was 38.65 ± 13.73, which indicates a moderate level of burden. The self-efficacy score was 29.31 ± 6.09, which is in the low range of self-efficacy. There were statistically significant differences between the caregiver burden score and the sex of caregivers, status of education, type of relationship, and the elderly person's score on the Bartell Index (P < .05). The relationship between the employment status of caregivers (P = .01), the age of the elderly (P = .01), and the caregivers' score on the self-efficacy scale (P < .05) was found to be statistically significant. Study revealed that the majority of the caregivers experienced moderate levels of care burden and low levels of self-efficacy. These results will provide beneficial information for nurses to provide the holistic nursing care.

Care services for elderly people with dementia in rural China: a case study.

ObjectiveTo determine the state of the health and supportive services available to elderly people with dementia – and their families – in rural Lanxi county, in the province of Zhejiang, China.MethodsIn November 2014 and January 2015, we interviewed 14 key informants on dementia care face-to-face, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The informants included three rural physicians, an urban geriatrician, seven directors of institutions for the care of the elderly and three officials of the civil affairs bureau. We also completed in-depth interviews with five family caregivers of elderly people with dementia.FindingsThe interviewees indicated that there was a lack of specialized services designed specifically to address the needs of individuals with dementia and their family members. Non-psychiatric medical services and the available facilities for long-term care appeared to be ill-equipped to manage these needs. They lacked both clinical staff and standardized, evidence-based practices for the diagnosis, care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with dementia. As care facilities often refused to admit elderly people with dementia, families were generally forced to care for elderly relatives with dementia at home.ConclusionIn Lanxi county – and probably in much of rural China – more public resources are needed to support family caregivers and to improve the capacity of care facilities for the elderly to care for individuals with dementia.

Burden over family caregivers of elderly people with stroke

Burden over family caregivers of elderly people with stroke

Qualitative research about the responsibility and burden experience of family caregivers of elderly people

Objective This study aimed to understand the experience of family caregivers of elderly people,explore the relationship between responsibility and burden,provide reference and theoretical guidance to the health care provider.Methods Exploratory,descriptive,qualitative design was used and a semi-structure interview Was conducted in a convenience sample of 11 participants.The Colaizzi method of empirical phenomenology Was used for interviewing and anaIyzing data obtained from 11 caregivers.Results Four major themes were found and labeled:husbands and wives,be accompanied till they are old;learning to be filial from confucius;avoiding trouble other family member as less as possible;this is my destiny.Conclusions The findings of the study pointed out that service providers should fully consider the cultural factors and develop support services that better meet the traditional culture. Key words: Family caregivers; Support services; Influence factors