1
|
Ahmad N, Kunicki ZJ, Tambor E, Epstein-Lubow G, Tremont G. Burden and Depression among Empirically-Derived Subgroups of Family Caregivers for Individuals With Dementia. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2024; 37:163-172. [PMID: 37551824 PMCID: PMC10840657 DOI: 10.1177/08919887231195217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Dementia caregiving experiences are not universal and different factors may influence the risk for burden and depression. This study examined factors such as the relationship with the care recipient, severity of dementia, and relationship satisfaction to uncover different types of caregiver burden profiles using baseline assessment for a telephone-based intervention study for dementia caregivers. Participants (n = 233) completed a battery of psychological and caregiving related surveys. The sample was predominantly White and female. Latent class analysis suggested four class models in subsamples of spousal caregivers and adult children caregivers. The results suggested four distinct classes among samples of spousal and adult child caregivers. Differences in burden emerged across both spouses and adult children, and differences in depression also emerged in the spousal sample. Our findings demonstrate the diversity of the caregiving experience and suggest that future psychosocial interventions may benefit from being tailored to the needs of caregiver subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Ahmad
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Zachary J. Kunicki
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Gary Epstein-Lubow
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Education Development Center, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Geoffrey Tremont
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Neuropsychology Program, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Okahashi S, Noguchi T, Ishihara M, Osawa A, Kinoshita F, Ueda I, Kamiya M, Nakagawa T, Kondo I, Sakurai T, Arai H, Saito T. Dyadic Art Appreciation and Self-Expression Program (NCGG-ART) for People with Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Family Caregivers: A Feasibility Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1435-1448. [PMID: 38250777 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-pharmacological interventions effective for depressive mood and bilateral relationships among persons with cognitive impairment (PwCI) and their family caregivers (FCGs) have not been established. OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of a newly developed group-based art appreciation and self-expression program (NCGG-ART) for dyads of PwCI and their FCGs. METHODS This pilot randomized control trial included 34 dyads of PwCI diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and their FCGs, from an outpatient rehabilitation service (Holistic Physio-Cognitive Rehabilitation [HPCR]). Participants were randomly divided equally into the HPCR (control group) or NCGG-ART and HPCR (intervention group) groups. Both included 1-hour weekly, 6-week programs. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms among FCGs assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Feasibility outcomes included participant satisfaction and motivation. FCGs were interviewed about their experiences and feelings regarding the program, which were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two dyads (intervention group:16; control group:16) completed the study period. High participation rates, satisfaction, and motivation were demonstrated throughout the intervention. Scores in the PHQ-9 among FCGs did not show positive effects: mean changes in the score were 1.3 for the intervention group and -0.8 for the control group (Cohen d:0.56). However, the qualitative analysis revealed favorable experiences and feelings of the FCGs, such as positive emotions, social interactions, and person-centered attitudes to and positive relationships with PwCI. CONCLUSIONS This program demonstrated high feasibility with FCGs' favorable responses to emotions and relationships with PwCI, ensuring future investigations with a confirmatory study design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Okahashi
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Taiji Noguchi
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Japan
| | - Masumi Ishihara
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Aiko Osawa
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Hospital, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Fumie Kinoshita
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ikue Ueda
- Hospital, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Masaki Kamiya
- Hospital, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakagawa
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Izumi Kondo
- Hospital, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Department of Cognition and Behavior Science, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Tami Saito
- Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He L, Zheng Z, Li X, Cao X, Zhang J, Chen C, Lv Y, Wu C, Barry LC, Ying Z, Jiang X, Shi X, Liu Z. Association of spouse's health status with the onset of depressive symptoms in partner: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:177-184. [PMID: 36603600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the multidimensional health status of one spouse and the onset of depressive symptoms in partner, and whether the associations differed by gender and residence. METHODS We analyzed data from 2401 females and their husbands (scenario 1), and 2830 males and their wives (scenario 2) who participated in the 2011/2012 and 2015 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Multidimensional health indicators included mobility disability, activities of daily living disability, frailty, global cognition, depressive symptoms, comorbidity, and self-reported health. Principal component analysis was used to construct a composite health indicator reflecting overall health status that was then categorized into three groups (poor, moderate, and excellent). Logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS We observed strong associations of spouse's health status with the onset of depressive symptoms in partner. For instance, females whose husbands had poor overall health status reported more depressive symptoms than those having husbands with excellent overall health after four years (OR: 1.75; 95 % CI: 1.35, 2.26). These associations were statistically significant in rural females and urban males, but surprisingly disappeared in rural males and urban females. LIMITATIONS No exact timing of depressive symptoms onset. CONCLUSIONS In Chinese middle-aged and older adults, spouse's health status is associated with depressive symptoms in partner and the associations vary by gender and residence. The findings underscore the importance of considering partner's health status to manage one spouse's mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu He
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhoutao Zheng
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqin Li
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingqi Cao
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuebin Lv
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chenkai Wu
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Jiangsu 215316, China
| | - Lisa C Barry
- Department of Psychiatry, UCONN Health, CT 06030-1410, USA
| | - Zhimin Ying
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zuyun Liu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Psychological distress in sons as resident carers of older mothers in Japan. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22000721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In Japan, care-giving sons are noted for their high rates of abuse of care recipients. This study revealed, for the first time, the difficulties unique to sons caring for their mothers. All sons used long-term care insurance services. However, they provided care that could not be covered by such public services while harbouring psychological distress. In this study, we interviewed 13 sons living with their older mothers as the primary carer and conducted a thematic analysis focusing on their psychological distress. As part of our study findings, we have identified nine themes during analysis: uncomfortable feelings that cannot be mitigated as a son; feeling of futility in being unrecognised as a carer; fear of losing something important; a strong sense of responsibility for one's mother's life; disappointment in being unable to obtain understanding and co-operation from one's siblings in providing care; irritation and anger towards one's wayward mother; guilt about treatment of one's mother; sense of exhaustion due to demanding care; and experiencing hopelessness and despair. Thus, it is important to understand what psychological distress carers experience and to consider possible approaches for their support. The study findings provide suggestions for long-term care support in regions, such as East Asia, where the numbers of son carers are increasing inevitably owing to declining birth rates and ageing population, as in Japan.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhong X, Song PP, Wang Z, Chen H. Resilience building among Chinese family caregivers of older people with Parkinson's disease in Shanghai. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e2395-e2405. [PMID: 34904318 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite a rapid increase in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in China, studies focusing on caregiver burden remain scarce. Challenges faced by caregivers in other Asian societies are also underexplored in the PD-related research field. To addresses this gap, this study drew on the theory of resilience and examined the caregiving experiences of Chinese family caregivers for older people with PD. We conducted participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 15 family caregivers of older people with PD in Shanghai in 2018. We used thematic analysis to identify key patterns of stressors and factors affecting the capacity of caregivers to address burdens. Our analysis shows that stressors faced by Chinese PD caregivers included physical limitations, psychological and emotional problems, reduction in social connections, financial burden and lack of information and knowledge. Three levels of factors-personal, social and structural-played different roles in resilience among Chinese PD caregivers. However, resilience was unevenly developed among PD caregivers across gender, kinship, residential status and generation. Our study provides novel empirical evidence about the burden on Chinese PD caregivers. It can inform policymakers and social workers as they develop a holistic understanding of promoting resilience building in this rapidly growing group. Our study also enriches cross-cultural knowledge about factors contributing to caregivers' resilience building in Asian societies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhong
- School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Priscilla P Song
- Centre for the Humanities and Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Social Work, School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Department of Social Work, School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sabatini S, Martyr A, Gamble LD, Jones IR, Collins R, Matthews FE, Victor CR, Quinn C, Pentecost C, Thom JM, Clare L. Profiles of social, cultural, and economic capital as longitudinal predictors of stress, positive experiences of caring, and depression among spousal carers of people with dementia. Aging Ment Health 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35899421 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2098920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored (1) social, cultural, and economic capital in spousal carers of people with dementia; (2) profiles of carers with different levels of capital; (3) whether the identified profiles differ in levels of stress and positive experiences of caring, and likelihood of depression over time. METHODS Baseline (2014-2016), 12-month, and 24-month follow-up data were analyzed for 984 coresident spousal carers of people with dementia. We assessed social, cultural, and economic capital, stress, positive experiences of caring, depression. RESULTS On average, carers reported infrequent social and cultural participation. Most carers were not socially isolated, trusted their neighbours, had education at least to age 16, and had an income aligned with the 2014 UK average. We identified four groups of carers with different levels of capital. Although on average stress was low, depression was infrequent, and positive experiences of caring were moderately frequent, the group of carers with lowest capital was the least stressed and reported the most positive experiences of caring over time. Compared to the two groups with better capital, those with poorer capital were more likely to be depressed over time. CONCLUSION Social, cultural, and economic resources may decrease likelihood of depression, but not stress, in carers of people with dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Sabatini
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Martyr
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Laura D Gamble
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R Jones
- Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Collins
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona E Matthews
- Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christina R Victor
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Quinn
- The Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom.,Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Pentecost
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette M Thom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | - Linda Clare
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South, West Peninsula, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Johansson MF, McKee KJ, Dahlberg L, Summer Meranius M, Williams CL, Marmstål Hammar L. Negative Impact and Positive Value of Caregiving in Spouse Carers of Persons with Dementia in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031788. [PMID: 35162811 PMCID: PMC8835239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Spouse carers of persons with dementia (PwD) are particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes of care, yet research rarely focuses on their caregiving situation. This study explores factors associated with the positive value and negative impact of caregiving in spouse carers of PwD in Sweden. (2) Methods: The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey, with a convenience sample of spouse carers of PwD (n = 163). The questionnaire addressed: care situation, carer stress, health and social well-being, relationship quality and quality of support, and contained measures of positive value and negative impact of caregiving. (3) Results: Hierarchical regression models explained 63.4% variance in positive value and 63.2% variance in negative impact of caregiving. Three variables were significant in the model of positive value: mutuality, change in emotional closeness following dementia and quality of support. Six variables were significant in the model of negative impact: years in relationship, years as carer, behavioural stress, self-rated health, emotional loneliness and change in physical intimacy following dementia. (4) Conclusions: Support to spouse carers of PwD should address the carer–care-recipient relationship quality, although different aspects of the relationship should be addressed if both the positive value of caregiving is to be enhanced and the negative impact reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus F. Johansson
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden; (K.J.M.); (L.D.); (L.M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kevin J. McKee
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden; (K.J.M.); (L.D.); (L.M.H.)
| | - Lena Dahlberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden; (K.J.M.); (L.D.); (L.M.H.)
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Christine L. Williams
- Christine E Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 334 31, USA;
| | - Lena Marmstål Hammar
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden; (K.J.M.); (L.D.); (L.M.H.)
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 721 23 Västerås, Sweden;
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hancock DW, Czaja S, Schulz R. The Role of Preparedness for Caregiving on the Relationship Between Caregiver Distress and Potentially Harmful Behaviors. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2022; 37:15333175221141552. [PMID: 36427169 PMCID: PMC10581146 DOI: 10.1177/15333175221141552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
This work extends research suggesting a link between indicators of distress among informal caregivers (CG) (e.g., depression and burden), and potentially harmful behaviors (PHB), including feeling like yelling or screaming at the care recipient (CR). We tested three hypotheses regarding the role of a novel predictor, CG preparedness for caregiving, which were: 1) a direct effect between CG preparedness and PHB, 2) CG distress mediates the relationship between the direct effect of CG preparedness on PHB, and finally, 3) CG preparedness is only related to PHB through their shared associations with indicators of caregiver distress, an indirect effects model. Examining two indicators of PHB and CG depression and CG burden, results supported the indirect effects model. Higher CG preparedness was associated with lower CG distress, which in turn was associated with lower risk of PHB. These findings highlight the importance of CG preparedness as a target for caregiver intervention research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W. Hancock
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara Czaja
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pires CG, Borim FSA, Queluz FNFR, Cachioni M, Neri AL, Batistoni SST. Burden, family functioning, and psychological health of older caregivers of older adults: a path analysis. GERIATRICS, GERONTOLOGY AND AGING 2022. [DOI: 10.53886/gga.e0220022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate an explanatory model of direct and indirect associations regarding the psychological health of older caregivers of functionally dependent older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed with older caregivers recruited in contexts of outpatient and home care. We collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, duration of caregiving, physical and cognitive function indicators of the older care recipients, perceived burden, family functioning, and psychological health measures (psychological need satisfaction and depressive symptoms). Results: We evaluated 133 caregivers (76% female, 69.5 ± 6.98 years). Variables that were significantly correlated with psychological health were selected to form an association model to be tested by structural equation modeling via path analysis. Depressive symptom variability was best explained by this model. Caregiver burden remained in the model as a mediator of indirect associations between physical function for instrumental activities of daily living and indicators of family functioning and psychological health. Three associative paths between caregiver burden and depressive symptoms were found — one of them was direct and the other two were mediated whether by family functioning or by the level of psychological need satisfaction. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were the psychological health indicator best explained by the model involving instrumental functional demands that generate burden. Clinical consequences suggested by the model indicate interventions aimed at family functioning and opportunities of psychological need satisfaction as strategies for promoting caregivers’ psychological health.
Collapse
|
10
|
Johansson MF, McKee KJ, Dahlberg L, Williams CL, Summer Meranius M, Hanson E, Magnusson L, Ekman B, Marmstål Hammar L. A comparison of spouse and non-spouse carers of people with dementia: a descriptive analysis of Swedish national survey data. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:338. [PMID: 34078292 PMCID: PMC8170983 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being an informal carer of a person with dementia (PwD) can have a negative effect on the carer's health and quality of life, and spouse carers have been found to be especially vulnerable. Yet relatively little is known about the care provided and support received by spouse carers. This study compares spouse carers to other informal carers of PwDs regarding their care provision, the support received and the psychosocial impact of care. METHODS The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of a stratified random sample of the Swedish population aged 18 or over. The questionnaire explored how much care the respondent provided, the support received, and the psychosocial impact of providing care. Of 30,009 people sampled, 11,168 (37.7 %) responded, of whom 330 (2.95 %) were informal carers of a PwD. RESULTS In comparison to non-spouse carers, spouse carers provided more care more frequently, did so with less support from family or the local authority, while more frequently experiencing negative impacts on their social life and psychological and physical health. Spouse carers also received more carer support and more frequently experienced a closeness in their relationship with the care-recipient. CONCLUSIONS Spouse carers of PwD differed from non-spouse carers on virtually all aspects of their care situation. Policy and practice must be more sensitive to how the carer-care-recipient relationship shapes the experience of care, so that support is based on an understanding of the individual carer's actual needs and preferences rather than on preconceptions drawn from a generalised support model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus F Johansson
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, SE-791 88, Falun, Sweden.
| | - Kevin J McKee
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, SE-791 88, Falun, Sweden
| | - Lena Dahlberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, SE-791 88, Falun, Sweden.,Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
| | - Christine L Williams
- Christine E Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, FL, 334 31, Boca Raton, USA
| | - Martina Summer Meranius
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, SE-721 23, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Hanson
- Swedish Family Care Competence Centre, Linnaeus University, Box 762, SE-391 27, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lennart Magnusson
- Swedish Family Care Competence Centre, Linnaeus University, Box 762, SE-391 27, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Björn Ekman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-202 13, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lena Marmstål Hammar
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, SE-791 88, Falun, Sweden.,School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, SE-721 23, Västerås, Sweden.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, SE-14152, Huddinge, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li J, Gao G, Zeng Y, Wu Y, Zhu X, Xu H. Perceived social support in Chinese family caregivers of patients with dementia. Int J Nurs Pract 2021; 28:e12945. [PMID: 33870622 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12945] [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: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to describe levels of social support and explore the factors predictive of social support for Chinese family caregivers of patients with dementia. BACKGROUND Social support levels and their predictive factors in Chinese dementia caregivers have not been well documented, which need to be further clarified to provide a basis for creating effective social support strategies. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study with 91 participants who completed a demographic questionnaire and the Social Support Rating Scale from 2015 to 2016. RESULTS Chinese family caregivers of patients with dementia received moderate social support. Caregivers' subjective support domain scores and support utilization domain scores were significantly lower than those of the normal Chinese population, whereas caregivers' total social support scores were higher than those of the normal Chinese population. Family caregivers' monthly household income, educational level and place of residence were predictors of their own social support. CONCLUSION Social support in Chinese caregivers of patients with dementia needs to be improved, especially the subjective support and support utilization. Healthcare professionals should pay special attention to caregivers with a lower monthly household income and educational level and caregivers who lived in the suburban area. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about this topic? Social support is important for family caregivers of patients with dementia. Social support levels and their predictive factors in Chinese dementia caregivers have not been well documented. What this paper adds? Caregivers' subjective support and support utilization were significantly lower than the normal Chinese population; caregivers' total social support was significantly higher than the normal Chinese population. The best predictors of caregivers' social support were the monthly household income, educational level and place of residence of the caregivers. The implications of this paper: Healthcare professionals should pay special attention to caregivers with a lower monthly household income and educational level and caregivers who lived in the suburban area. Future research is needed to create effective nursing regimes, paying attention to caregivers with a lower educational level and caregivers who lived in the suburban area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jufang Li
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gexin Gao
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yawei Zeng
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Xu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Venters S, Jones CJ. The experiences of grandchildren who provide care for a grandparent with dementia: A systematic review. DEMENTIA 2020; 20:2205-2230. [PMID: 33372548 PMCID: PMC8369917 DOI: 10.1177/1471301220980243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Much of the research exploring the experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia has focussed on spouses and adult children. It is hypothesised that other family members at different life stages and with different family roles may experience and perceive the caregiving role differently. The objective of the current review was to explore the experiences of grandchildren who provide care to a grandparent with dementia. A systematic search of four databases identified 12 studies which met the inclusion criteria. An assessment of quality was completed for each of the included studies. Grandchildren described dementia-related changes, changes to their role and relationship with their grandparent, multiple impacts of caregiving, influences of other family relationships on caregiving and positive aspects of caregiving. Many of the included studies met most of the quality criteria for the respective methodological design; however, there was some variation in quality and sample across included studies. The review indicates that assessments and interventions to incorporate grandchildren and the wider family system may help to support family carers to continue to provide care for grandparents with dementia. The research and clinical implications and limitations of the review are also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Venters
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Christina J Jones
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dassa A, Rosenbach M, Gilboa A. Towards sustainable implementation of music in daily care of people with dementia and their spouses. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2020; 71:101713. [PMID: 32952253 PMCID: PMC7485451 DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2020.101713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Primary caregivers (PCs) of people with dementia deal with stressful daily living, especially spouses whose care recipient is at home. Several programs have been developed to aid caregiving by providing musical strategies, yet successful sustainable implementation of music in the daily lives of the couples awaits further research and development. To promote this, in this pilot study we proposed a music therapy program that included 12 weekly sessions with the couple in their home environment. In addition, there were bi-weekly phone counseling sessions with the PC, to reflect on the joint sessions and to help implement music in daily life. Findings based on the description, analysis, and interpretation of two cases showed that the proposed program provided a strong foundation upon which the treatment could succeed; it relied on natural forces such as the use of songs, which can empower each of the spouses individually, as well as together as a couple; and it included elements of ongoing support that enabled preservation of the accomplishments that were achieved during the sessions. Future research is required to examine whether this program is appropriate for couples in other housing contexts, and in different stages of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Dassa
- Music Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Avi Gilboa
- Music Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang S, Cheung DSK, Leung AYM, Davidson PM. Factors associated with caregiving appraisal of informal caregivers: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:3201-3221. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Center for Gerontological Nursing School of Nursing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong China
- School of Nursing and Health Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Daphne Sze Ki Cheung
- Center for Gerontological Nursing School of Nursing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong China
| | - Angela Yee Man Leung
- Center for Gerontological Nursing School of Nursing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong China
| | | |
Collapse
|