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Kuo PC, Restinia M, Lin SH, Jou YH, Chiu CJ. Exploring the association between sleep and health performance of migrant home care workers and elderly care recipients in Taiwan. Home Health Care Serv Q 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38984632 DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2024.2375711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
This study, conducted in June and July 2022 through purposive sampling, aimed to explore the relationship between sleep and health performance in 33 pairs of elderly individuals and their migrant caregivers in southern Taiwan. Participants completed a structured questionnaire and wore an Actiwatch for seven days. Pearson correlation and independent t-test were used for analysis. Nearly 50% of foreign home care workers suffered from insomnia, and 80% of elderly care recipients with disabilities experienced sleep disorders. The number of chronic illnesses and/or dementia among the elderly and insomnia among care workers were associated with poor self-perceived health (r = -0.667, p < .001) and sleep disorders among the elderly (r = 0.368, p = .035). The problem of caregiving should be addressed. Future studies should increase the sample size and extend the duration of the study to enhance the generalizability of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ching Kuo
- Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mita Restinia
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Shu-Huei Lin
- Department of Labor Relations, College of Social Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Huey Jou
- Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ju Chiu
- Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Poon FMM, Ward EC, Burns CL. Identifying prioritised actions for improving dysphagia services in Singapore: Insights from concept mapping with patients and caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:1018-1031. [PMID: 37936543 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12977] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Person-centred services are inherently related to patients/caregivers' needs. However, the extent to which dysphagia services within Singapore meet consumer needs is largely unknown. Involving patients/caregivers in service evaluation/redesign deepens the understanding of consumer needs. This process also increases the success of implementing service enhancements through relevant and meaningful change. AIM This study aimed to identify aspects of dysphagia services, within acute and subacute settings in Singapore, perceived as highly important and easy to change by patients/caregivers. METHODS & PROCEDURES Using concept mapping methodology, 5 patients and 11 caregivers reflected on their experiences of receiving dysphagia care and proposed 59 unique suggestions to improve dysphagia services within Singapore. Then, each individual sorted the suggestions into groups based on similarity and rated each statement for its perceived importance and changeability for service enhancement. Data were analysed using multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis, and bivariate analysis to generate clusters of conceptually similar suggestions and a prioritised list of suggestions for service enhancement. RESULTS Twelve clusters were identified, with most rated as more important than changeable for service improvement. Participants prioritised 23 (39%) of the suggestions as highly important and easy to change, and these focused on ensuring effective communication among consumers and healthcare team, enhancing patients and carers' access to support at home, increasing patients and carers' access to educational resources, and improving service quality and access through technology. CONCLUSION These findings provide future directions on how to develop and implement dysphagia services in Singapore to better meet the needs of patients/caregivers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject Little is known about patients and caregivers' experiences and expectations of receiving dysphagia services in Singapore. Consulting them in service review and improvement deepens understanding of their needs and increases the success of implementing meaningful service enhancements. What this study adds to existing knowledge This study shows that patients and caregivers in Singapore identified a wide range of dysphagia service issues and prioritised a list of suggestions for service improvement. They prioritised four key areas for service optimisation: ensuring effective communication among consumers and healthcare team, enhancing patients and carers' access to support at home, increasing patients and carers' access to educational resources, and improving service quality and access through technology. What are the clinical implications of this work? This research highlights the importance of considering the consumers' perspectives in service review and redesign. Patients and caregivers in Singapore identified four prioritised areas for service enhancements. These findings provide future directions on how to develop and implement dysphagia services in Singapore to better meet the needs of patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora M M Poon
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Rehabilitation, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Speech Pathology & Audiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Wang J, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Wu F, Wu B. Domestic Helpers as Frontline Workers in Home-Based Long-Term Care in China: Opportunities and Challenges. J Aging Soc Policy 2023; 35:611-630. [PMID: 36453693 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2022.2120323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Domestic helpers (also called baomu or jiazhengfuwuyuan in Chinese) enter personal residences to provide care and services. This study explored challenges and opportunities facing the long-term care (LTC) domestic service in urban China from the perspectives and experiences of domestic helpers (n = 25) and their employers (older adults or their family, n = 25), domestic service company managers (n = 8) and industry association staff (n = 6). Challenges identified pertain to the domestic helper-older adult relationship, day-to-day care, training, domestic service company role, and workforce shortages and instability. Opportunities include possibilities for supporting career development and increased access to social welfare and medical assistance, enhancing person-centered care for older adults by helping domestic helpers build core competencies, and establishing peer support and connections through mobile technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Assistant professor, School of nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, Yangpu, China
| | - Yahui Huang
- Associate professor, Tourism and social admistration college, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Chief editor, Editorial Department of Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Minhang, China
- Student, Nursing Management Research Center of China Hospital Development Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Minhang, China
| | - Fangqi Wu
- Assistant professor, School of nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, Yangpu, China
| | - Bei Wu
- Associate dean of research/Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Felber NA, Tian YJ, Pageau F, Elger BS, Wangmo T. Mapping ethical issues in the use of smart home health technologies to care for older persons: a systematic review. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:24. [PMID: 36991423 PMCID: PMC10061702 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The worldwide increase in older persons demands technological solutions to combat the shortage of caregiving and to enable aging in place. Smart home health technologies (SHHTs) are promoted and implemented as a possible solution from an economic and practical perspective. However, ethical considerations are equally important and need to be investigated.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines to investigate if and how ethical questions are discussed in the field of SHHTs in caregiving for older persons.
Results
156 peer-reviewed articles published in English, German and French were retrieved and analyzed across 10 electronic databases. Using narrative analysis, 7 ethical categories were mapped: privacy, autonomy, responsibility, human vs. artificial interactions, trust, ageism and stigma, and other concerns.
Conclusion
The findings of our systematic review show the (lack of) ethical consideration when it comes to the development and implementation of SHHTs for older persons. Our analysis is useful to promote careful ethical consideration when carrying out technology development, research and deployment to care for older persons.
Registration
We registered our systematic review in the PROSPERO network under CRD42021248543.
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Septi Mauludina Y, Yeni Kustanti C, Fields BE, Chang FH. A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Foreign Caregivers of Older Adult Stroke Survivors. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:82-95. [PMID: 35660857 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES With a growing aging stroke population and the changing structure of the society, the demand for foreign caregivers has rapidly increased in Taiwan and many other developed countries. However, little is known regarding the perception, values, and abilities of foreign caregivers and how those may influence their quality of care. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of Indonesian foreign caregivers, the largest migrant working population in Taiwan, who reside with and provide support to older adults with stroke and their families. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS By adopting a descriptive qualitative approach, we conducted semistructured interviews with 22 Indonesian caregivers (mean age: 36 years) who were providing care to community-dwelling older stroke survivors (age ≥ 65 years) in Taiwan. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. RESULTS Six themes were constructed from the interviews: (a) foreign caregiver's background, (b) foreign caregiver's perception of the health and functional status of stroke survivors, (c) foreign caregiver's values and preferences, (d) consequences of caring for stroke survivors, (e) skills/abilities/knowledge of foreign caregivers to provide stroke survivors with required care, and (f) potential resources that foreign caregivers can use. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Foreign caregivers described the positive and negative aspects of caring for stroke survivors. Differences in language, religion, culture, values, and expectations between foreign caregivers and stroke survivors influence the caregiving experience. These findings can help Taiwan and other developed countries to better support foreign caregivers providing critical care to older adults with stroke and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosika Septi Mauludina
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Christina Yeni Kustanti
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bethesda Yakkum, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Beth E Fields
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Michigan, USA
| | - Feng-Hang Chang
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wu Q, Yamaguchi Y, Greiner C. Factors Related to Mental Health of Foreign Care Workers in Long-Term Care Facilities in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16491. [PMID: 36554370 PMCID: PMC9779326 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416491] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the factors related to the mental health of foreign care workers in Japan's long-term care (LTC) facilities and compare their results with those of native care workers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey covering 80 LTC facilities across Japan between August and November 2021. The survey mainly included mental health, workload, reward, sense of coherence, loneliness, COVID-19-specific factors and sociodemographic variables. The results show that workload was a distinct feature associated with the mental health of foreign care workers (n = 172) when compared with those of native care workers (n = 154). In addition, we found that the relationship between cultural adaptation and mental health in a sample of foreign care workers was mediated by loneliness and sense of coherence (SOC). Finally, we found that reward, loneliness, SOC, and COVID-19-specific factors had significant impacts on the mental health of both foreign and native care workers. These findings highlight the importance of support measures from the workplace for foreign care workers. Workplace interventions that focus on workload, reward, and sense of coherence strategies are required to address mental health improvement and may still be of value in dealing with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Elderly Caregiving Quality Improvement: A Pilot Study of the Burdens of Vietnamese Caregivers in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106293. [PMID: 35627833 PMCID: PMC9140832 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Taiwan is expected to reach super-aged status by 2026, leading to an increased demand for elderly caregiving services. Low local unemployment and a dwindling working-age population mean the island’s care system relies heavily on female foreign domestic workers (FDWs) from Southeast Asian neighbors such as Vietnam to satisfy labor shortages. Although suggested by anecdotal evidence, limited research has been conducted on the link between the shortfall in FDW qualifications, training, preparedness, and expertise and their employment stressors. Therefore, this study aims to assist FDWs by evaluating their stressors and helping them better understand health care delivery by (1) administering the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) revised 2003 questionnaire, (2) performing semi-structured in-depth one-on-one interviews, (3) classifying interview results according to thematic analysis, and (4) using these themes to devise and deliver a 12-week multilingual health education teach-back program. Our results indicate that Vietnamese FDWs face specific challenges, including language barriers, homesickness, intensive physical and psychological work demands, stress adaptation, and occupational exposures. Despite yielding no significant improvements in caregiving strain, our intervention, conducted at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, pinpoints and classifies areas of grave concern and proposes recommendations that can assist long-term care (LTC) stakeholders in understanding and overcoming their respective challenges, thereby improving the quality of elderly care.
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Tsai CF, Huang MH, Cheng CM, Lee JJ, Wang WF, Huang LC, Huang LK, Lee WJ, Sung PS, Liu YC, Ouyang WC, Hsu CC, Fuh JL. Determinants of long-term care service use by persons with dementia: A national dementia registry study conducted in Taiwan. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37. [PMID: 35437817 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the determinants and use of Taiwan's long-term care (LTC) Plan Version 2.0 (LTC 2.0) services by persons with dementia (PWDs) and their caregivers. METHODS In total, 1268 PWD-caregiver dyads were enrolled for analysis from a national dementia registry. Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use was used to investigate the association of LTC service use with several factors, namely the demographic data of PWDs and their caregivers, migrant caregiver employment, monthly household income, caregiver burden as determined by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Mini-Mental State Examination score, Clinical Dementia Rating scores, neuropsychiatric inventory scores for the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and PWDs' activities of daily living (ADLs). RESULTS Among the studied family caregivers, 81.4% did not use LTC resources. A multivariable logistic analysis revealed that aberrant motor behaviors (odd ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.56, p = 0.003), dysfunction in ADLs (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10, p = 0.002), higher ZBI scores (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.03, p = 0.004), not residing with family members (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.32-2.66, p < 0.001), and not employing a migrant caregiver (OR = 4.41, 95% CI = 2.59-7.51, p < 0.001) were the factors most significantly associated with LTC service use. CONCLUSION Factors such as whether PWDs live alone, specific neuropsychiatric symptoms, and impaired function should be considered in future policy amendments to provide required activities and care resources for PWDs and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Fen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Hsuan Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, YuanShan and Suao Branches of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Jun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Fu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kai Huang
- Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The PhD program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ju Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Shan Sung
- Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Liu
- Neurological Center of Cardinal Tien Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Fu Jen University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chen Ouyang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Rende, Taiwan
- Departemnt of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Hsu
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jong-Ling Fuh
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of General Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yuan Q, Zhang Y, Samari E, Jeyagurunathan A, Tan GTH, Devi F, Wang P, Magadi H, Goveas R, Ng LL, Subramaniam M. The impact of having foreign domestic workers on informal caregivers of persons with dementia - findings from a multi-method research in Singapore. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:305. [PMID: 35395748 PMCID: PMC8993210 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers of persons with dementia (PWDs) sometimes engage foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to support their caregiving journey. However, there has not been much research to establish if this is really beneficial. The current study aims to investigate whether engaging FDWs specifically for caregiving of PWDs truly moderates caregiver stress and to explore caregivers’ experiences of engaging FDWs. Methods A multi-method study design with a quantitative and qualitative sub-study was adopted. For the quantitative sub-study, 282 informal caregivers of PWDs were recruited. Propensity score matching analysis was used. For the qualitative sub-study, 15 informal caregivers with FDWs were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results The quantitative sub-study confirmed that engaging FDWs did moderate the depressive symptoms of informal dementia caregivers (marginal effect = -3.35, p = 0.0497). However, such support did not affect their caregiving burden, self-efficacy, and perceived positive aspects of caregiving. The qualitative sub-study suggested that engaging FDWs is an ambivalent experience, which entails both support and challenges. Conclusions The current study confirmed previous research findings, that engaging FDWs moderated depressive symptoms among caregivers of PWDs, and it could be through their physical support such as in daily caregiving activities. Policy-makers may consider providing more subsidies to caregivers caring for PWDs with mobility issues to hire FDWs. They may also consider providing training to FDWs on dementia caregiving skills and improving the intake of such training as this might be helpful for both FDWs and caregivers during this journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Yunjue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Anitha Jeyagurunathan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Harish Magadi
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Ang KW, Koh YLE, Wang XF, Yusoff AM, Tan AM, Poh XYC, Zhang N, Tan NC. Pilot cross-sectional study of foreign domestic workers supporting the basic healthcare needs of older persons in the community. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051877. [PMID: 35351699 PMCID: PMC8961118 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This pilot study aimed to determine the proportions, level of knowledge, anxiety and confidence of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) who were involved in supporting the healthcare needs of older persons with long-term non-communicable diseases. DESIGN The pilot study used a cross-sectional and descriptive design.FDWs who accompanied the older adults attending a primary healthcare setting in Singapore. 100 eligible FDWs' demographic data, knowledge and confidence level of caregiving in food preparation, medication supervision, exercise, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose (BG) monitoring and anxiety level assessed by the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed and presented. Items on confidence were regrouped into two groups of 'very' versus 'no/a little/moderate'. Knowledge scores and caregiving tasks were assessed with items on confidence using Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test, respectively. RESULTS The FDWs were from Indonesia (60%), Philippines (23%) and Myanmar (14%). Their mean age was 33 years with an average of 5.8 years working experience; 62% self-reported previous caregiver training for elderly. The mean age of care-recipients was 81 years. Knowledge of FDWs on BP and BG monitoring was low (<50% answered correctly). Among the 55 FDWs who were required to perform BP monitoring, 45.5% lack confidence. Similarly, 40% of the 30 FDWs were not confident in performing BG monitoring. Those with very high confidence levels had higher knowledge on BP and BG monitoring. Of those who were involved in medication supervision (n=86), 36% lacked confidence. The majority of the FDWs (96%) were not affected by anxiety in managing these healthcare tasks for older persons. CONCLUSION More than half of the FDWs supported healthcare needs of older persons but they had inadequate knowledge and lacked confidence in performing the healthcare-related tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wai Ang
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore
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Fernández-Puebla AG, Talavera JM, Carmona AP, Ferreres MLM, Pardo MÁDJ. Effectiveness of an educational intervention to reduce the burden on home care workers and facilitating factors: A pre-post study. Nurse Educ Pract 2021; 59:103279. [PMID: 34974322 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine if a training program, aimed at home care workers, for caring for the elderly and for providing their own self-care is effective for reducing workers burden in the short and long terms and to identify the associated variables that can influence burden across 12 months. BACKGROUND An increasing number of older adults rely on home care workers as a complement to the care received from family caregivers. However, these workers do not usually have any formal training in nursing care and occasionally suffer burden. DESIGN A pre- and post-intervention study with a follow-up at 12 months including 86 participants. METHODS An 85-hour training course, which included a practical module lasting 35 h, was offered on five separate occasions between 2014 and 2017 in Barcelona (Spain). The care burden was measured according the Zarit Burden Interview and care knowledge and perceived difficulty performing care tasks were assessed. We also gathered data on the physical and psychological status of the care recipients. RESULTS The educational intervention was effective after training (-7.45% p = .020) and although the initial burden on caregivers did not worsen significantly despite spending 12 months caring for people with moderate physical and psychological dependence, the decrease in the burden was not maintained over time. Associated variables that can influence the burden over 6 months were the caregivers' baseline perception of lacking knowledge and/or having no difficulty with care tasks. The variable that could influence overburden in caregivers at 12 months was becoming ill before the intervention. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, the effectiveness of home workers-specific training has been demonstrated: a reduction in the perceived burden was observed immediately following training completion, but this reduction was not sustained at 6/12 months. The practical interpretation is that a remedial/follow-up training course may be needed. Whether difficulty in providing care or having sufficient knowledge and having an illness influence self-care maintenance requires further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenifer Malumbres Talavera
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Spain.
| | - Ana Pérez Carmona
- Foundation for Domiciliary Care, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - María Luisa Martín Ferreres
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Spain.
| | - M Ángeles De Juan Pardo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Spain.
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Troy C, Anna T, Perez C JJ, Liu J. Personal Determinants of Burden Among Indonesian Female Caregivers of Older Adults in Taiwan. J Appl Gerontol 2020; 41:217-226. [PMID: 33238777 DOI: 10.1177/0733464820972888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Families increasingly employ foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to care for older loved ones. Caregiver burden reflects FDWs' difficulty adapting to work demands. We test hypothesized associations between burden and six personal characteristics: children, marriage, education, Chinese proficiency, eldercare experience, and non-eldercare experience. METHOD In total, 299 Indonesian FDWs in Taiwan completed the Zarit Burden Interview. Exploratory factor analysis identified the dimensions of burden. Multiple and multinomial regressions related the variables to overall burden, burden dimensions, and burden severity. RESULTS Four dimensions were found: personal strain, role strain, dependency, and guilt. Children were negatively associated with burden, role strain, dependency, and guilt. Chinese proficiency was negatively associated with severity and guilt. Eldercare experience was positively associated with severity and personal strain. Marriage was non-monotonically related to severity. CONCLUSION Caregivers whose earnings benefit their children may be more likely to thrive in Taiwan. Language training may boost caregiver performance and host family satisfaction.
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Cohen-Mansfield J, Golander H. Predictors of Migrant Live-in Care Workers' Burden/Burnout and Job Satisfaction When Caring for Frail Older Persons in Israel. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 76:1151-1160. [PMID: 33031515 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify how work characteristics affect migrant live-in care workers' burden/burnout as well as their job satisfaction. METHODS Data from 116 migrant live-in care workers were collected in 2013-2014 in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem through structured interviews about their job satisfaction and their degree of burden/burnout. Due to the conceptual and empirical similarity (zero-order correlation and joint internal reliability), of burden and burnout, the 2 were combined into one variable. These outcome measures were examined in connection with the older person's level of disability, care workers' relationship with the older person, and their employment conditions. RESULTS According to the regression models, work characteristics (care recipients' functional status and care workers' relationship with the care recipient) had a direct impact on burden/burnout. Employment-related variables (employment conditions and satisfaction with those conditions) had an indirect effect. A combination of work characteristics (relationship with the older person) together with the care worker's response to employment conditions (satisfaction with employment conditions) had a direct influence on the care workers' job satisfaction. Problematic employment conditions had an indirect effect. DISCUSSION The results suggest that fostering better relationships and improving employment conditions could help reduce care workers' burden/burnout as well as improve their degree of satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Hava Golander
- Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,Department of Nursing, The Stanley Seyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Tay M, Kong KH. Caregiver burden in familial caregivers and foreign domestic workers of patients with traumatic brain injury in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Brain Inj 2020; 34:1513-1517. [PMID: 32835512 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1809709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with caregiver burden in familial caregivers and foreign domestic workers of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS A total of 77 caregivers were consecutively recruited, who were either familial caregivers or foreign domestic workers. All caregivers were evaluated with the Zarit Burden Index (ZBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and General Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with caregiver burden. RESULTS The majority of participants were familial caregivers (N = 60), of which 70% experienced significant caregiver burden. In this group, 10.0% caregivers had clinically significant depression and 16.7% caregivers who had clinically significant anxiety. On multivariate analysis, factors found to be associated with caregiver burden were Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) of <7, presence of neuropsychiatric complications, and presence of anxiety. There was also a high prevalence of caregiver burden in foreign domestic workers (29.4%). CONCLUSION There is a high rate of caregiver burden in both familial caregivers and foreign domestic workers who care for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Caregivers experiencing stress should also be monitored for the presence of anxiety or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tay
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Center , Singapore
| | - Keng He Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Center , Singapore
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15
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Lim W, Liang C, Assantachai P, Auyeung TW, Kang L, Lee W, Lim J, Sugimoto K, Akishita M, Chia S, Chou M, Ding Y, Iijima K, Jang HC, Kawashima S, Kim M, Kojima T, Kuzuya M, Lee J, Lee SY, Lee Y, Peng L, Wang NY, Wang Y, Won CW, Woo J, Chen L, Arai H. COVID-19 and older people in Asia: Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia calls to actions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20:547-558. [PMID: 32365259 PMCID: PMC7267164 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has casted a huge impact on global public health and the economy. In this challenging situation, older people are vulnerable to the infection and the secondary effects of the pandemic and need special attention. To evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 on older people, it is important to balance the successful pandemic control and active management of secondary consequences. These considerations are particularly salient in the Asian context, with its diversity among countries in terms of sociocultural heritage, healthcare setup and availability of resources. Thus, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia summarized the considerations of Asian countries focusing on responses and difficulties in each country, impacts of health inequity related to the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed recommendations for older people, which are germane to the Asian context. More innovative services should be developed to address the increasing demands for new approaches to deliver healthcare in these difficult times and to establish resilient healthcare systems for older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 9999: n/a-n/a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wee‐Shiong Lim
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active AgingTan Tock Seng HospitalSingapore
| | - Chih‐Kuang Liang
- Center for Geriatrics and GerontologyKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Prasert Assantachai
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Preventive and Social MedicineFaculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Tung W Auyeung
- Jockey Club Institute of AgeingThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of GeriatricsPeking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Wei‐Ju Lee
- Aging and Health Research CenterNational Yang Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Family MedicineTaipei Veterans General Hospital Yuanshan BranchYilanTaiwan
| | - Jae‐Young Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamSouth Korea
| | - Ken Sugimoto
- Department of Geriatric and General MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Masahiro Akishita
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Shu‐Lih Chia
- Health Promotion AdministrationMinistry of Health and WelfareTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Yueh Chou
- Center for Geriatrics and GerontologyKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Yew‐Yoong Ding
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active AgingTan Tock Seng HospitalSingapore
| | - Katsuya Iijima
- Institute of GerontologyThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Hak C Jang
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamSouth Korea
| | | | - Miji Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, College of Medicine, East‐West Medical Research InstituteKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Masafumi Kuzuya
- Department of Community Healthcare and GeriatricsNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Jenny Lee
- Jockey Club Institute of AgeingThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Sang Y Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineSeoul National University Boramae Medical CenterSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Yunhwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public HealthAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Li‐Ning Peng
- Aging and Health Research CenterNational Yang Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Center for Geriatrics and GerontologyTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Yin‐Wei Wang
- Health Promotion AdministrationMinistry of Health and WelfareTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chang W Won
- Department of Family Medicine, College of MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Jean Woo
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Liang‐Kung Chen
- Aging and Health Research CenterNational Yang Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Center for Geriatrics and GerontologyTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and GerontologyObuJapan
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‘I try my best … I try to relieve the burden of my mum’: a narrative analysis of the everyday care-giving experiences for five intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families where one member has dementia. AGEING & SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x20000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSingapore is experiencing a rapid growth in its ageing population with most of the islands’ inhabitants living in high-rise apartments due to the scarcity of land. The Chinese community living in Singapore comprises the largest ethnic group and they are more likely to live together under one roof in an intergenerational family grouping. Currently, there are gaps in understanding intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families and their approach to caring at home for a family member with dementia. The aim of this longitudinal qualitative study was to understand better this everyday care-giving experience. Using semi-structured biographical interviews and digital photographs to elicit family stories, five intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families were visited at home for a period of between six and 15 months. Each recruited intergenerational family was treated as a ‘case’. Narrative analysis of the data was applied within and between cases and resulted in the emergence of three themes that represented various dynamics in the data. The three themes were identified as: (1) family values, which is about the cultural context in which everyday care takes place, the religious beliefs and practices of the intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families, and the practice of filial piety; (2) family support, which is about everyday access to family and service networks, including the contribution of the live-in maid in caring for the family member with dementia; and (3) family bonds, which is about the maintenance of intergenerational family relations in the Chinese family kinship system.
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Law W, Kwok TCY. Impacts of a multicomponent intervention programme on neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia and psychological health of caregivers: A feasibility pilot study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 34:1765-1775. [PMID: 31390090 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to explore the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention programme and to evaluate its impacts on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and psychological health of caregivers. METHODS Fifty-six community-dwelling people with dementia (PWD) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) and their caregivers were recruited and randomized into the intervention group (IG) or comparison group (CG). Each participant in both groups received an individual physiotherapy session (personalized home exercises and care education) and underwent 8 weeks of a 1-hour-structured group exercise session weekly at a day care centre. They were instructed to follow the prescribed home exercise. The IG received a multicomponent programme, combining knee OA-specific therapeutic exercise with self-management support, while the CG attended the routine group exercise programme. The attendance rate and reasons for non-attendance were recorded for evaluating the feasibility. The Chinese versions of the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy (RSCSE) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) were measured at the baseline and postintervention. RESULTS Fifty-four dyads completed the programme with high attendance rate (94.4%). Compared with the CG, caregivers in the IG significantly improved in three domains of RSCSE scores (P ≤ .005) and caregivers' distress (P = .004) after the intervention. However, no effects were observed in terms of BPSD severity in PWD. No adverse events or falls were reported. CONCLUSION This multicomponent programme is feasible and safe for dementia caregivers and older people with mild-to-moderate dementia and knee OA. The programme has beneficial effects on caregiving self-efficacy and distress of dementia caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waiyan Law
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
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An Exploration of Factors Related to Quality of Life in Indonesian Care Workers in Home-Based Care Settings. J Nurs Res 2019; 27:e47. [PMID: 30830034 PMCID: PMC6752699 DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indonesians constituted 79% of foreign care workers for long-term care in Taiwan in 2015. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the effect of work stress and quality of life (QoL) on this population. PURPOSE This study aims to explore stress levels, social support requirements, and perceived QoL among Indonesian care workers (ICWs) who work in home care settings. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected between 2014 and 2016 from a convenience sample of ICWs working in eastern Taiwan using a self-administered questionnaire that comprised the Stress Perception Scale (SPS), Social Support Scale (SSS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief scale. One hundred fifty-seven valid questionnaires were collected. The response rate was 80.51%. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS The results found that the average SPS of the sample was 70.50, with low QoL scores and requirements for more social support. In addition, significant and positive correlations were found between QoL and SPS, SSS, duration of patient care, and hours of care per week. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the most predictive variables for QoL were time spent caring, preservice training, psychological stress, and emotional support, which together accounted for 60.9% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study facilitated understanding of the stress on ICWs and the impact of social support on their QoL. The findings suggest that new immigrants in Taiwan should be introduced to foreign care workers or nursing attendants. Moreover, long-term-care-related teachers should work with home care institutions or agencies to develop a teaching model for innovative care skills to relieve the perceived stress of ICWs.
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Abstract
Over the past two decades, caregiver stress has been the subject of scientific inquiry by investigators around the world representing a variety of disciplines. The knowledge base is extensive and growing, particularly as it relates to the phenomenology and correlates of caregiver stress. The six papers published here represent a snapshot of prevailing lines of inquiry and enhance our knowledge regarding: predictors of psychological distress for dementia family caregivers in Japan (Shikimoto et al., 2017) and for Indonesian and Burmese foreign domestic workers caring for frail older adults in Singapore (Ha et al., 2018); identification of a threshold number of behavioral symptoms in those with dementia associated with caregiver distress (Arthur et al., 2017); the influence of specific illness factors on caregiver stress, including comorbid diabetes in patients with Alzheimer's disease (Li et al., 2018) and a comparison of the effects of behavioral disturbances on caregiver burden across three types of dementia (Liu et al., 2017); and the application of data on caregiver stress to inform the development of a multi-component framework for preventing depression in caregivers of those with dementia (Ying et al., 2017).
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