Spousal Caregivers Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Associations between Economic, Social, and Political Resources and Subjective Caregiver Burden among Older Spousal Caregivers in Two Nordic Regions

Inspired by the caregiver stress process model emphasising the role of resources for caregiving outcomes, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subjective caregiver burden (SCB) and its associations with individual social, economic, and political resources among older spousal caregivers in a Nordic regional setting. Cross-sectional survey data collected in 2016 in the Bothnia region of Finland and Sweden were used, where 674 spousal caregivers were identified and included in the analyses. The descriptive results showed that about half of the respondents experienced SCB. SCB was more common among Finnish-speaking caregivers. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that none of the assessed political resources were significantly associated with SCB when controlling for other variables. Experiencing financial strain was associated with SCB, while personal income was not. Frequent contact with family members was statistically significantly associated with SCB. Future research could use longitudinal data to determine causal relationships, and when data allow, test the full caregiver stress process model to investigate the role of mediating factors in different comparative settings. Accumulated evidence on risk factors for negative outcomes of informal caregiving can contribute to effective screening tools for identifying and supporting vulnerable caregivers, which is becoming increasingly important with the ageing population.

The Longitudinal Association between Co-Residential Care Provision and Healthcare Use among the Portuguese Population Aged 50 and Over: A SHARE Study.

Co-residential care is associated with poor caregiver health and a high burden. Although Portugal relies heavily on co-residential care by individuals aged 50 and over, studies on the impact of co-residential care provision on Portuguese caregivers' healthcare use are lacking. This study aims to analyze the impact of co-residential care (spousal and non-spousal care) on healthcare use of the Portuguese population aged 50 plus. Data from waves 4 (n = 1697) and 6 (n = 1460) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were used. Negative Binomial Generalized Linear Mixed Models with random (individual level) and fixed (covariates) effects were performed. The results show that the number of visits to the doctor decrease significantly over time for the co-residential spousal caregivers as compared to the non-co-residential caregivers. This result highlights the fact that the Portuguese co-residential spousal caregiver group is at a higher risk of not using healthcare, thus jeopardizing their own health and continuity of care. Promoting more accessible healthcare services and implementing public policies adjusted to the needs of informal caregivers are important to improve the health and healthcare use of Portuguese spousal co-residential caregivers.

Exploring the Meaning of Dementia Grief in Female, Spousal Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Exploring the Meaning of Dementia Grief in Female, Spousal Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

The Impact of Dementia Caregiver Support Programs: Turning High-Risk Older Adult Caregivers into Models of Resilient Aging

Research has shown that spouse caregivers of people living with dementia suffer high rates of emotional and other health issues, and even a higher risk of mortality, all of which can additionally negatively impact the care of the person with dementia. However, dementia care models that incorporate caregiver support, training and resource navigation into the primary care setting improved clinical care outcomes for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, while lowering overall health care spending (The UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program for Comprehensive, Coordinated, Patient-centered Care: Preliminary Data (nih.gov)).The presentation will highlight research that shows the measurable impact of dementia caregiver support in the context of research about caregiver dementia grief, stress process models of couples, and creative aging. The presentation will then give an overview of how this evidence has been translated into the various models of dementia caregiver support aimed at delivering value-based care in the Mass General Brigham (MGB) hospital system: the Dementia Care Collaborative at Massachusetts General Hospital, dementia case management in the geriatric outpatient clinic at McLean Hospital, and Mind and Memory Care Program at the MGB system level. Presenters will then bring the research to life by applying these concepts to clinical vignettes and to reflections of spouse dementia caregivers enrolled in support programs who have been able to turn the predictable story of an increasingly frail, ill-equipped, and social-isolated vulnerable caregiver into the less common but within-reach narrative of a resilient person who becomes better-connected, makes better decisions to promote their own health, who grows in competence and confidence to care for their spouse with dementia.This presentation will incorporate pragmatic skill-building approaches implemented in these programs which can be utilized by a broad range of clinicians who may encounter caregiver stress as part of the dementia care that they provide. These approaches are derived from a range of modalities – e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy – that help to uncover and highlight the strengths of older adult caregivers. For clinicians who are interested in adding services like this to their practice, the speakers will also discuss the evolving models of funding for their positions and key skills one would look for in hiring for such a position.The session will then open for audience participation.

Effect of intimacy and dyadic coping on psychological distress in pancreatic cancer patients and spousal caregivers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intimacy and dyadic coping on anxiety and depression in patients with pancreatic cancer and their spousal caregivers. This study conducted from October 2021 to June 2022, included 277 pancreatic cancer patients and their spousal caregivers. This research used actor-partner interdependence mediation model to explore the relationship of intimacy, dyadic coping, and psychological distress among pancreatic cancer patients and their spousal caregivers. The results of this study showed that there were two actor effects: the satisfaction of intimate relationship between pancreatic cancer patients and their spouse caregivers had a positive predictive effect on their dyadic coping (β = 1.787, p < 0.001) and (β = 1.587, p < 0.001). The dyadic coping of pancreatic cancer patients and their spouse caregivers had a negative predictive effect on their own anxiety and depression (β = -0.253, p < 0.001) and (β = -0.293, p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that there was a partner effect: intimate relationship satisfaction of pancreatic cancer patients had a positive predictive effect on dyadic coping of their spousal caregivers (β = 0.574, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates the interdependence of pancreatic cancer patients and their spousal caregivers in coping with the disease. The healthy intimate relationship and effective dyadic coping styles are essential to alleviating disease pressure and lowering the psychological burden on cancer families.

Recruitment approaches and profiles of consenting family caregivers and people living with dementia: A recruitment study within a trial

BackgroundWhile studies have identified strategies that are useful for recruiting people living with dementia, none have focused on psychosocial interventions involving arts therapies, or have examined the profiles of older people living in the community who consent or decline participation, particularly during a global pandemic. We aimed to identify the most effective recruitment strategies according to participant characteristics and transnational differences and develop a profile of consenting and non-consenting participants. MethodsRecruitment teams in Australia, Norway, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, recorded participants' source of study awareness and characteristics of consenting and non-consenting participants. Distributions of participants ‘consenting to participate’ were compared and logistic regressions were used to estimate the odds ratios. ResultsConsenting female caregivers were disproportionally represented. Study awareness differed between countries but overall, most expressions of interest to participate were derived from referrals from professionals or organisations, or from databases of people wanting to participate in research. Troughs in recruitment rates occurred during Northern Hemisphere summer vacation periods, and during Christmas periods. ConclusionsThis study found that recruiting for a trial with community-dwelling family caregivers and people living with dementia is challenging, especially during a global pandemic. While spousal caregivers comprised the highest proportion of dyads recruited, overall spousal caregivers were more reluctant to consent to participate than adult child caregivers. More targeted recruitment strategies designed for minority groups are also needed to ensure broader representation in dementia treatment studies.

Association Between Primary Decision-Maker and Care Intensity Among Patients With Advanced Cancer in Mainland China.

Purpose: In China, decisions regarding the treatment of seriously ill patients are usually made by family caregivers. This study aimed to explore the association between the primary decision-makers and the intensity of care given to patients with advanced cancer in China. Methods: We conducted a survey of family members and other caregivers representing 828 cancer patients who died between July 2013 and July 2016. The survey asked: "After the physician conveyed that the disease is incurable, what treatment did the patient and caregiver prefer?" and "Who was the primary decision-maker?" We compared the treatment intensity with locus of decision-making using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical covariates informed. Results: Of the 792 patients in our sample, the majority were male (67·2%), 60 years or older (64·0%), married (82·2%), lived with family (98·2%), had medical insurance (94·8%), earned below-average income (53·5%), lived rurally (61·5%), had a gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis (50·8%), experienced moderate or severe pain (86·3%), never received palliative care (80·4%) and had caregivers as primary decision-makers (70·6%). We found that patients were more likely to receive intensive disease-modifying treatments when the primary decision-maker were their children (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1·86, 95% CI:1·26-2·74), spouse (AOR = 2·04, 95% CI:1·26-3·30), or other caregivers (AOR = 3·46, 95% CI:1·24-9·69). Conclusions: When patients with advanced cancer in China did not make their own medical decisions, they were more likely to receive intensive disease-modifying treatments at the end-of-life. Actions should be taken to better understand and ensure that caregivers' decisions reflect the values and presence of patients.

The experiences of caring for disabled older adults in long-term: A qualitative study from the perspective of spousal caregivers.

To explore the care experiences of spouses as long-term and primary caregivers for disabled older adults in China. A descriptive phenomenological method was used in this study, as well as purposive and convenient sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 spousal caregivers in Guangdong, China, from March to December 2021. Interview audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. We identified four themes from the data: spousal care motivation; sacrifices in caregiving; obstacles in caregiving; spousal caregivers' positive experiences. Spouses took responsibility for providing care for their disabled partners regardless of their willingness. They had positive experiences while providing care, but negative experiences were dominant, especially for spouses of severely disabled older adults. Spouses are always perfect in caregiving roles, although they may also need medical assistance. To prevent a decline in spousal caregivers' quality of life and relieve their care burdens, health care providers should support them as soon as possible or offer formal care for disabled older adults. It is necessary to intervene considering disabled older adults and their spousal caregivers as a unit to empower their confidence in coping with life together.

A longitudinal study of burden among spouse and non-spouse caregivers of older adults with stroke-induced-dependency.

to assess the burden of spouse and non-spouse caregivers of older adults with stroke-induced-dependency after discharge from a university hospital's Specialized Care Stroke Unit in southern Brazil. a longitudinal survey. The sample consisted of 48 consenting caregivers, among which 20 were spouse caregivers. Data were collected between May 2016 and July 2018. One week after discharge, caregivers completed a sociodemographic profile, the Functional Independence Measure, and the Caregiver Burden Scale. Burden was also measured two months after discharge. Data were analyzed using Multivariate Analyses of Variance. regarding time 1, non-spouse caregivers experienced greater burden with respect to social isolation (p = .01). Along with a persistently greater sense of isolation (p=.04), non-spouse caregivers felt far greater general strain (p =.01). statistically significant differences in burden over time highlight the importance of assessing caregiver burden after discharge and the need for a formal support program.

Caregiver burden among caregivers of mentally ill individuals and their coping mechanisms A facility based study

Problem: Mental illnesses not only affect the individual concerned but also the caregivers. Caregiver burden is a complex phenomenon. Caregivers who perceive high level of burden are those who lack both family and social support. They require tireless endeavor, sympathy and energy. Mostly family members fail to recognize it and caregiver’s own physical, mental and social health is often ignored. Care givers adopt various coping mechanism. A Mechanism, adopted in a positive way would lessen the amount of burden.6 Mal adaptive strategy in turn would affect the well being.7The study was done to measure and analyze caregiver burden and factors associated with the burden respectively. The study was also intended to explore coping mechanisms adapted by the caregivers in response to burden perceived by them. Approach: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted among 60 caregivers of patients with mental illnesses attending psychiatric medicine outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital, at Karur(India) between July 2022 and Dec 2022. After obtaining Institutional Ethics clearance and informed consent, study tool was administered. It consisted of 4 parts. Part 1 dealt with socio-demographic details of the participants. Part 2 enquired about clinical information of care recipient. Part 3 included the Burden Assessment Schedule. Part 4 was the brief COPE assessment scale. Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel. Entered data were exported to SPSS software version 20 for analysis. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Independent T test, one way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and Chi square tests were applied. Findings: Among caregivers other than spouses, male caregivers perceive higher burden (mean score +/- SE = 28.75 +/- 2.272) than the female caregivers (mean score +/- SE = 26.25 +/- 2.192). Perceived severity of disease was higher among Care givers residing in urban area (mean score +/- SE = 8.0385 +/- 0.36577) than those residing in rural area (mean score +/- SE = 6.9118 +/- 0.28438). Among caregivers other than spouses, caregivers who had completed higher secondary schooling or diploma holders perceive higher level of burden (mean – 28.75) than those who completed primary schooling (mean – 24.75). Impact of chronic mental illness of care recipients on well being of caregivers was higher among spousal caregivers than the others. A Positive correlation existed between burden perceived among spousal caregivers and problem focused, emotional focused and adaptive coping. All these associations were statistically significant at p value 0.05, 0.01 or 0.001. Distribution of moderate to severe burden among caregivers other than spouses (52.3%) is slightly higher than that of spousal caregivers (50%) and the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.876). Conclusion: Among various factors, gender, education, residence and chronic nature of care recipient’s mental illness were found to be significantly associated with either one or another component of burden or the whole. Mental health professionals should broaden their vision so that burden perceived by the caregivers would also be attended. Public health personnel should take measures to implement family as well as community level approach to attend caregivers along with their mentally ill care recipients.

Quality of life of spousal caregivers of breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional analytical study from Nepal

Quality of life of spousal caregivers of breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional analytical study from Nepal

Quality of life of spousal caregivers of breast cancer survivors: Comment

Quality of life of spousal caregivers of breast cancer survivors: Comment

A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS OF STRESSORS AND RESOURCES AMONG SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS TO OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract Spousal caregivers to older adults experience differing intensities of co-occurring caregiving stressors and resources. Analyzing their heterogeneous profiles can improve recognition of spousal caregivers needing support and caregiving impact on their health. This study aims to identify latent classes among spousal caregivers to older adults and to explore the associated background characteristics and health outcomes. Using pooled data from Round 5 and Round 7 of National Study of Caregiving and the linked National Health and Aging Trends Study, eight indicators for stressors and three indicators for resources are included for latent class analysis to identify distinguishable spousal caregiver subgroups. ANOVA test or Chi-square test are used to understand the different characteristics across spousal caregiver classes. Multivariate regression is conducted to examine associations between class membership and health outcomes. Three latent classes are identified among the 793 included spousal caregivers: low-stress low-support class (39%), medium-stress high-support class (36%), and high-stress medium-support class (25%). Compared to the other two classes, high-stress medium-support class includes more female than male, medium-stress high-support class has greater portions of non-Hispanic Black individuals, and caregivers in low-stress low-support class have fewer comorbidities. In addition, compared to low-stress low-support class, spousal caregivers in high-stress medium-support class reported lower (0.42 unit) level of self-rated health and higher (1.87 unit) level of depressive symptoms. These results confirmed the heterogeneity among spousal caregivers, and highlighted the elevated needs to address the physical and mental health needs among spousal caregivers whose levels of resources could not offset the caregiving stress they experience.

IMPACTS OF CAREGIVING ON WELL-BEING AMONG SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS TO OLDER ADULTS USING COARSENED EXACT MATCHING

Abstract Spousal caregivers to older adults may be at increased risks of negative health outcomes because they are also dealing with their own aging and health issues. Estimating the impacts of caregiving without controlling for caregivers’ own aging and aging-related health decline could exaggerate the negative health consequences of caregiving, whereas focusing on caregivers only could face the risk of selection bias where healthier individuals enter and/or remain in caregiving. In this study, we used coarsened exact matching to compare outcomes in wellbeing between spousal caregivers and spousal non-caregivers. Pooled panel data from Wave 8 to Wave 13 in the Health and Retirement Study was utilized with two consecutive waves of data for each spousal caregiver. The sample included 203,162 person-wave observations from 5,162 unique individuals, among whom 3,577 were spousal caregivers. Variables used for matching were classified into three categories: care obligations, the willingness to provide care, and the ability to provide care. Outcome of interest was depressive symptoms measured by CES-D 8. A total of 2,741 (81.01%) spousal caregivers were matched with 18,043 observations of spousal non-caregivers. Regression analysis indicated that being a spousal caregiver was statistically significantly associated with a 0.27 unit increase in depressive symptoms in the subsequent wave, after controlling for other potentially confounding variables such as caregiver’s race/ethnicity, length of current marriage, etc. Our results highlighted the elevated needs to address mental health among spousal caregivers, and indicated that long-term care program and policy should take into consideration the mental health among spousal caregivers.

SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG SPOUSAL AND ADULT CHILD CAREGIVERS

Abstract Participating in social activities through formal (e.g., social or religious organizations) and informal (e.g., gatherings with family members or friends) avenues is known to positively contribute to mental wellbeing. Family caregivers are at risk for limited social participation and increased depressive symptoms. However, little is known about which social activities are associated with depressive symptoms among spousal and adult child caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of participating in various social activities on depressive symptoms among spousal (n=422) and adult child (n=1,112) caregivers using data from the 2017 wave of the National Study of Caregiving. Caregivers reported on participating in six social activities in the past month (e.g., visiting family and friends, attending religious services, doing volunteer work, working for pay) and completed the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire to assess depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, with separated models for spousal and adult child caregivers. Sociodemographic characteristics, self-rated health, and dementia caregiving status were included as covariates. For spousal caregivers, visiting friends or family and attending religious services were associated with lower depressive symptoms (b=-.55, p=.010 and b=-.33, p=.036, respectively). For adult child caregivers, going out for enjoyment was associated with lower depressive symptoms (b=-.80, p&amp;lt;.001). Findings suggest that spousal and adult child caregivers may benefit from participating in different types of social activities. Interventions targeting social participation to reduce depressive symptoms need to be tailored to the needs and preferences of spousal and adult child caregivers to be most effective.

PERCEPTIONS OF DISCHARGE READINESS AND ENGAGEMENT IN DISCHARGE PLANNING FOR SPOUSAL VERSUS NONSPOUSAL CAREGIVERS

Abstract Informal caregivers are frequently excluded during hospital discharge planning, potentially impacting their ability to effectively care for older adults at home. Few studies have examined experiences of spousal versus non-spousal caregivers during hospital discharge planning. In a secondary analysis of a mixed-method study, we quantitatively examined how spousal relationships impact caregivers’ (n=266; 51.8% identified as a spouse or partner) scores of patient discharge readiness using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS-CG). We then conducted semi-structured interviews with a participant subset (n=23), and analyzed transcribed interviews using content analysis. First, comparing scores on the RHDS-CG, spouses/partners (88.4%) were more likely than non-spouses (75%) to report RHDS scores of 7+ corresponding with moderate to high readiness (X2 (1) = 8.070, p=.005). Among those interviewed, spouses/partners (65.2%) described their role as long-term, and shared strategies they had learned over time regarding how to seek involvement with healthcare professionals (HCPs). In contrast, non-spousal caregivers (34.8%) viewed their role as short term and struggled with how to communicate with HCPs, citing patient privacy rules and patient autonomy as perceived barriers. Overall, spousal caregivers had more experience with the healthcare system and felt better prepared to assume post-discharge care duties. Exploring the experiences of non-spousal caregivers, which make up more than one-third of our sample, is important since caregiving roles shift away from spouses to adult children and others as people age. Further consideration is necessary regarding how to support non-spousal caregivers in navigating the healthcare system.

EXAMINING SUBJECTIVE BURDEN AMONG SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS OF PARTNERS WITH DEMENTIA: THE IMPACT ON MARITAL QUALITY

Abstract Although sometimes caregiving is associated with closeness in marriage, at other times the stresses may affect marriage relationships negatively. In the current study we explore how caring for a partner with dementia, and subjective burden are associated with marital quality. We further explore how dementia care and subjective burden might interact (suggesting a pileup of stress) to affect marital quality. Using data from 1,066 spousal caregivers that participated in the NSOC study and their corresponding care recipients from the NHATS study, the current analysis explored cross-sectional associations between spousal caregiving (primary vs. Secondary caregiver, subjective burden, gender, age, education) and partner care recipient characteristics (dementia classification, household income) predicting positive and negative marital quality. Results suggested that dementia classification and subjective burden were associated with lower positive marital quality and higher negative marital quality. The relationship between subjective burden and positive marital quality was moderated by whether or not the care recipient had dementia. Specifically, when dementia was present, the negative association between subjective burden and positive marital quality was stronger. Spousal caregivers often carry substantial burden to help their partners with activities of daily living. Care provision can alter the marriage relationship in negative ways when perceived burden is high. The current study suggests that the negative association between burden and positive marital quality is even stronger when caring for a spouse with dementia. Gender differences need further exploration, as well as how these patterns play out in early vs. later stages of dementia and across time.

MINDFULNESS AND CAREGIVING EXPERIENCE IN ADRD CAREGIVERS

Abstract Mindfulness (being present in the moment without judgement) has been linked to greater caregiver emotional health. Recent mindfulness-based interventions report improved coping skills, mood, and reduced stress in dementia caregivers. In this cross-sectional study of 141 ADRD caregivers, we assessed whether the relationship between caregiver mindfulness and caregiver experience varies by caregiver gender, relationship to patient (spouse-vs-child), etiology (AD-vs-LBD), or stage (MCI-vs-dementia). A stratified univariate analytic approach was used. Four mindfulness parameters (AMPS scale) were used: global score (GS), decentering (F1), positive (F2), and negative emotional regulation (F3). Outcomes included positive and negative appraisals of caregiving (PANAC), preparedness, care confidence, and depression. GS was linked to positive outcomes in male (rPANAC+=0.32/p=0.005), spouse caregivers (rPANAC+)=0.32/p=0.006 ) of ADRD patients regardless of etiology (rPANAC+=0.31/p=0.013 for AD; rconfidence=0.31/p=0.036 for LBD) and stage (rPANAC+=0.33/p=0.010 and rpreparedness=0.38,/p=0.008 for MCI; rPANAC+=0.29/p=0.011 and rconfidence=0.31/p=0.007 for dementia). Inverse relationships were observed with negative outcomes in male (rPANAC-=-0.46/p=0.002 and rdepression=-0.41/p=0.005), spouse caregivers (rPANAC-=-0.25/p=0.035 and rdepression=-0.30/p=0.009) of AD patients (rPANAC-=-0.25/p=0.043 and rdepression=-0.33/p=0.009) in early stages (rdepression=-0.41/p=0.001). F2 contributed to most relationships, with F3 and F1 significant in some but not all caregiver groups. Specifically, male spouse caregivers of AD patients regardless of stage may benefit from full-scope (F1-F3) programs while those of LBD patients from programs focused on improving emotional regulation (F2-F3). Wives of AD and LBD patients may in turn benefit from programs to improve positive emotional regulation (F2). Findings suggest that tailoring mindfulness-based interventions to specific caregiver groups may be effective in improving caregiver experience and mood.

THE ROLE OF THIRD PLACES IN REDUCING LONELINESS AMONG CAREGIVING SPOUSES

Abstract Loneliness is a public health concern that is associated with poor mental and physical health. Caregiving spouses of community-dwelling older adults often have high levels of caregiving burden, which make them more vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. There has been a growing interest in third places as mediums for social interaction. Research on third places shows a positive association of greater access to third places with social networks and social health. However, this has not been tested in the context of caregiving. In this paper, we examined the role of various types of third places in reducing loneliness among caregiving spouses. We used the 2006-2016 Health and Retirement Study and the National Neighborhood Data Archive to examine the relationship between the availability of third places per square mile and loneliness. Third places include food outlets (e.g. grocery stores), eating and drinking places (e.g., restaurants, coffee shops), commercial establishments (e.g., department stores), entertainment organizations (e.g., museum), exercise facilities (e.g., fitness), religious organizations (e.g., churches), civic and social organizations (e.g., social clubs), personal care services (e.g., barbershops, beauty salons), and social services for older adults (e.g., senior centers). We found that caregiving spouses living in neighborhoods with greater availability of third places had lower levels of loneliness. We also found gender differences in the association. For instance, greater availability of eating and drinking places was associated with loneliness only among females. Increasing access to places that provide opportunities for social interactions may prevent social isolation and reduce loneliness among caregiving spouses.

IMPACT OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING ON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS FOR HOMEBOUND OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID

Abstract More than 2 million of older adults are homebound and 5 million need help leaving their homes. They often experience social isolation, food insecurity, and lack of connection to community resources, which for many has intensified since the pandemic. To date, home-based services for those aging in place are lacking. Using newly available data, this study examined the benefits of an intergenerational home-based service learning program in reducing psychological distress for a community-based sample of 190 homebound older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of living in one’s own home, disability status, presence of child and spousal caregivers, and length of services from the program with psychological distress. Findings indicated that length of service with the intergenerational in-home support program was associated with lower psychological distress (β = -0.16, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Having a child as a caregiver was associated with lower psychological distress (β = -0.15, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Poor health status was associated with higher levels of psychological distress (β = 0.16, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Living in one’s own home, having a spouse as a caregiver, disability status, and having a long-term medical condition were not associated with psychological distress in the analysis. Results from this study suggest that intergenerational in-home support services can help reduce psychological distress for homebound older adults. Policies and practice can support a pipeline of geriatric health professionals through innovative service learning models to benefit older adults, caregivers, and students.