1
|
García-Castro FJ, Hernández A, Blanca MJ. Life satisfaction and the mediating role of character strengths and gains in informal caregivers. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2022; 29:829-841. [PMID: 33904250 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The role of informal caregiver can have both negative and positive consequences for a person's well-being. The main theoretical framework for explaining these consequences is the stress process model, which considers contextual variables, stressors and mediating/moderating factors. The latter are psychosocial factors such as coping strategies, personal mastery, social support or beliefs and values which may influence caregiver well-being. The perception of gains in caregiving has also been proposed as a mediating variable since it may act as a coping strategy. However, few studies have examined values and perceived gains as mediating variables with life satisfaction as the outcome. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study explores the role of character strengths and caregiver gains as mediators between stressors and life satisfaction in informal caregivers of persons with dementia. The results identify hope as a key character strength, its lack being one pathway through which stress may lead to low life satisfaction and low perceived gains from caregiving. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Caregivers who experience a lack of hope may be less able to generate goals and be less motivated to achieve them. Our findings are relevant to gerontological nursing based on the Senses Framework as they confirm the importance of the senses of purpose and achievement. Nursing and care staff can play an active role in helping informal caregivers to meet their goals by promoting these two senses, thereby fostering a more positive caregiving experience. ABSTRACT: Introduction Being an informal caregiver can have both negative and positive consequences for well-being. Within the framework of the stress process model, few studies have examined values and perceived gains of caregiving as mediating variables of life satisfaction. Aim To explore the role of character strengths and perceived gains as mediators in the association between life satisfaction and primary and secondary stressors in informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Method Participants were 112 informal caregivers. Hierarchical regression, correlation and mediation analyses were performed. Results Lower life satisfaction was associated with being female, unmarried, caring for someone with greater cognitive impairment, a higher level of stress, having restricted leisure time and perceiving financial difficulties. Hope mediated the associations between perceived stress and both life satisfaction and perceived gains of caregiving. Discussion Hope is a key strength and its lack is one pathway through which stress may cause low satisfaction and low perceived gains from caregiving. Implications for practice Without hope, it is difficult for caregivers to generate goals and be motivated to achieve them. Nursing and care staff should aim to promote a sense of purpose and achievement among informal caregivers so as to foster a more positive caring experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Hernández
- Department of Methodology of Behavioural Sciences and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María J Blanca
- Department of Psychobiology and Behavioural Sciences Methodology, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prato L, Abley C, Adamson J. Exploring online identity construction for the caregivers of adults living with dementia and the value of interactions with health and social care professionals. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:295-306. [PMID: 33894073 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Becoming an informal caregiver for an adult living with dementia has been shown to have a significant impact upon the conception of identity. This study aimed to identify how identity is constructed online amongst caregivers of individuals living with dementia and how healthcare interactions can influence identity development through the analysis of online web blogs. Sixteen online blogs (172 entries) were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, and discourse analysis was used to analyse online identity construction for informal caregivers of adults living with dementia. Six areas of online identity construction were identified: changing family role; powerful expert social campaigner; being an advocate; guardian of their relative's selfhood; sustaining creative and spiritual individuality and wider community member in online and real life. Further to this, the importance of health and social care service interactions in the development of caregiver identity revealed that professionals must ensure person-centred service contacts for caregivers. This is a challenging task in the pandemic climate where interactions between health and social care professionals and caregivers are limited due to isolation measures. It is evident that the blog format can provide a forum through which the identity of the caregiver of an adult living with dementia can evolve. The six areas of identity construction reveal the multifaceted nature of identity for the caregiver and the value of belonging to an online community both in relation to identity construction and support. This finding is especially applicable in the current pandemic when accessing a face-to-face community is challenging for caregivers who may be shielding or living in isolation. The findings of this research can aid health and social care professionals in understanding the development of caregiver identity and in providing appropriate support during service interactions, on accessing virtual and face to face community support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Prato
- Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Clare Abley
- Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pereira MG, Abreu AR, Rego D, Ferreira G, Lima S. Contributors and Moderators of Quality of Life in Caregivers of Alzheimer´s Disease Patients. Exp Aging Res 2021; 47:357-372. [PMID: 33724160 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2021.1895594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim and objective: This study aimed to identify the variables that contributed to Quality of Life (QoL) of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) caregivers, taking into consideration the caregiving context, stressors, role strains, and resources.Methods: The sample included 102 caregivers of AD patients who answered the following instruments: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Revised Memory and Behavioral Problems Checklist; Family Communication and Satisfaction Scales; Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness; and Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease - Caregiver Version.Results: Caregivers who were employed, chose the caregiving role, and received help in caring showed better QoL. Also, being younger, less caregiving daily hours, caring for patients with less memory and behavior problems, lower distress, and family satisfaction predicted better QoL. Finally, spirituality was a moderator between family communication and QoL but not between family satisfaction and QoL.Conclusion: Caregiving-context variables (age, professional status, choosing to care, receiving help in the caregiving role and duration of daily care); role strains (family dissatisfaction); stressors (caregivers' distress and patients' memory and behavioral problems); and resources (spirituality) had an impact on caregivers' QoL emphasizing the adequacy of the Stress Process Model. Intervention should also focus on spirituality given its moderating role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Graça Pereira
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana R Abreu
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniela Rego
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Ferreira
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sara Lima
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Paredes-Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gerłowska J, Dmitruk K, Rejdak K. Facial emotion mimicry in older adults with and without cognitive impairments due to Alzheimer's disease. AIMS Neurosci 2021; 8:226-238. [PMID: 33709026 PMCID: PMC7940111 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2021012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Facial expression of humans is one of the main channels of everyday communication. The reported research work investigated communication regarding the pattern of emotional expression of healthy older adults and with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). It focuses on mimicking of displayed emotional facial expression on a sample of 25 older adults (healthy, MCI and AD patients). The adequacy of the patients' individual facial expressions in six basic emotions was measured with the Kinect 3D recording of the participants' facial expressions and compared to their own typical emotional facial expressions. The reactions were triggered by mimicking 49 still pictures of emotional facial expressions. No statistically significant differences in terms of frequency nor adequacy of emotional facial expression were reported in healthy and MCI groups. Unique patterns of emotional expressions have been observed in the AD group. Further investigating the pattern of older adults' facial expression may decrease the misunderstandings and increase the quality of life of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Gerłowska
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychological Assessment, Institute of Psychology University of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Dmitruk
- Institute of IT, University of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Lublin, Poland
| | - Konrad Rejdak
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tulek Z, Baykal D, Erturk S, Bilgic B, Hanagasi H, Gurvit IH. Caregiver Burden, Quality of Life and Related Factors in Family Caregivers of Dementia Patients in Turkey. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2020; 41:741-749. [PMID: 32286096 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1705945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate caregiver burden and quality of life (QoL) and their predictors in family caregivers of dementia patients. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out with a sample of 102 patients and their family caregivers. The Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) were used to collect data. CBI mean score was 37.97 ± 21.30. Mean scores of SF-12 sub-domains varied between 36.02 and 77.94 and were significantly lower as compared to normative means of the general population, excluding only the physical health subdomain. Among several patient and caregiver-related correlations, the number of medications and worse cognitive function of the patient, caregiver's age and having limited space at home were found as predictors of burden, whereas caregiver's chronic disease and having a limited space were predictors of QoL. Also, the burden and QoL were correlated. This study demonstrated a high burden and low QoL in dementia caregivers. In societies where caregivers are mostly informal such as that in Turkey, supportive systems should be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeliha Tulek
- Department of Medical Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Baykal
- Department of Medical Nursing, Halic University School of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sumeyye Erturk
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Basar Bilgic
- Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasmet Hanagasi
- Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - I Hakan Gurvit
- Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clarke R, Farina N, Chen HL, Rusted JM. Quality of Life and Well-being of Carers of People With Dementia: Are There Differences Between Working and Nonworking Carers? Results From the IDEAL Program. J Appl Gerontol 2020; 40:752-762. [PMID: 32396415 DOI: 10.1177/0733464820917861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the differences in quality of life (QoL) and well-being between working and nonworking dementia carers and the relative contribution of psychological characteristics, caregiving experience, and social support. Multiple regressions modeled the contribution of working status, caregiver experiences, and psychological and social resources to carer QoL (EQ-5D) and well-being (WHO-5). After controlling for age, gender, carer-dyad relationship, and severity of dementia, working status contributed significant variance to EQ-5D (2%) but not to WHO-5 scores. Independent of working status, higher self-esteem and reduced stress contributed to variance in both models. Self-efficacy, social support, and positive perceptions of caregiving additionally contributed to higher WHO-5 scores. Working status associated with higher EQ-5D QoL; this may reflect the sustained sense of independence associated with supported work opportunities for carers. Outside of working status, the findings support the importance of psychological and social factors as targets to improved mental health for dementia carers.
Collapse
|
7
|
Oliveira D, Sousa L, Aubeeluck A. What would most help improve the quality of life of older family carers of people with dementia? A qualitative study of carers' views. DEMENTIA 2018; 19:939-950. [PMID: 30079764 DOI: 10.1177/1471301218791906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Older family carers of people with dementia provide a substantial amount of care for people with dementia in the UK. Caregiving can be stressful and burdensome for these individuals, who are also experiencing psychological and physical changes resulting from their own ageing process. However, little is known about what impacts their quality of life, how this can be improved and what we should prioritise. This brief report asks one simple question to older family carers of people living with dementia – “What would most help improve your quality of life as a carer?” Qualitative data were collected from 150 carers who completed an anonymous paper survey during the development and validation of a quality of life tool for use with this population (DQoL-OC). Participants were individuals aged 60 and over and were providing care for a family member with dementia at home in the UK. Carers were recruited from a variety of voluntary organizations, community-based carers’ groups, health services and via online forums. A thematic approach was used to analyse the carers’ comments and three main overarching themes were identified. The quality of life of older family carers can be enhanced by having more time away from caregiving, accessing health and social services that are dementia friendly and by having economic support. Future care, policies and research should aim to address these key areas in order to promote better quality of life for older carers of people with dementia. Further implications for practice, policy and research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Oliveira
- Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lidia Sousa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Santa Maria University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Aimee Aubeeluck
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Entitlement of carer's allowance to support home care of persons with Alzheimer's disease: evaluation of current decision criteria. Eur Geriatr Med 2018; 9:477-483. [PMID: 34674484 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-018-0060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several countries support family caregivers (FCs) by means of an informal carer's allowance (CA). In this study, we aimed to examine CA entitlement in association with clinical factors related to persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their FCs, provided psychosocial rehabilitation, and the Morbidity index designed to measure regional variations in morbidity and burden. METHODS A total of 236 FCs and 236 care recipients (CRs) with AD participated in this prospective longitudinal 5-year follow-up study (ALSOVA). We used generalized estimating equation models to investigate the associations between granting CA and repeated measurements of socioeconomic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Over 5 years of caregiving, CAs were granted to only 18% of the FCs. CA receipt was significantly associated with the CR having decreased activities of daily living (lower ADCS-ADL, p ≤ 0.001, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.94) and increased disease severity (lower Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes, p ≤ 0.001, OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.30-1.50). In addition, CAs were more commonly granted in municipalities with higher morbidity rates (p = 0.010, OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05), and a 1-year increase in FC age was associated with a 4% increase in the odds of CA receipt (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07). CONCLUSIONS CA receipt was influenced by increased dependency (measured by ADCS-ADL) and disease severity of persons with AD. FCs more commonly received CAs in municipalities with older and less-healthy populations. These findings verified that informal care is supported in accordance with international recommendations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hsu TJ, Tsai HT, Hwang AC, Chen LY, Chen LK. Predictors of non-pharmacological intervention effect on cognitive function and behavioral and psychological symptoms of older people with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17 Suppl 1:28-35. [DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Jung Hsu
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology; Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hui-Te Tsai
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology; Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
| | - An-Chun Hwang
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology; Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
- Aging and Health Research Center; National Yang Ming University; Taipei Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health; National Yang Ming University; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Liang-Yu Chen
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology; Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
- Aging and Health Research Center; National Yang Ming University; Taipei Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health; National Yang Ming University; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology; Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
- Aging and Health Research Center; National Yang Ming University; Taipei Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health; National Yang Ming University; Taipei Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Torrisi M, De Cola MC, Marra A, De Luca R, Bramanti P, Calabrò RS. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia may predict caregiver burden: a Sicilian exploratory study. Psychogeriatrics 2017; 17:103-107. [PMID: 27411501 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are very common. They represent a main cause of burden and distress in caregivers and can lead to early institutionalization of patients. We aimed to find the most specific behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia that can strongly affect the caregivers' burden. METHODS Twenty-seven patients and their caregivers were enrolled in this study. All of the patients were affected by Alzheimer's, vascular, or frontotemporal dementia and were evaluated with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Mini-Mental State Examination. Caregivers were administered the Caregiver Burden Inventory. RESULTS Apathy, depression, anxiety, and agitation were the most common symptoms and were found in up to 90% of the patients. We detected strong correlations between patient neuropsychiatric symptoms, (i.e. irritability, hallucinations, aberrant motor behavioural, depression, and agitation) and Caregiver Burden Inventory scores. Multiple regression analysis found hallucinations, irritability, and depression to be significant predictors of caregiver burden. Moreover, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory score was more closely related to caregiver burden than the Mini-Mental State Examination score. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that demented patients' behavioural problems are related to the level of caregiver burden and distress. Further investigations are needed to differentiate the present findings among dementia subtypes and to better evaluate the effect of caregivers' personal characteristics on their own burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Torrisi
- Behavior and Robotic Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| | - Maria C De Cola
- Behavior and Robotic Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Marra
- Behavior and Robotic Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- Behavior and Robotic Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| | - Placido Bramanti
- Behavior and Robotic Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco S Calabrò
- Behavior and Robotic Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|