The Impact of a Dementing Illness on Relatives: The Need for Family Support Groups

Author(s):  
Janet S. Bellmann
2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110198
Author(s):  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Rosemary Hughes ◽  
Steven Lane ◽  
Tamsin McGlinchey ◽  
Warren Donnellan ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 public health restrictions have affected end-of-life care experiences for dying patients and their families. Aim: To explore bereaved relatives’ experiences of quality of care and family support provided during the last days of life; to identify the impact of factors associated with perceived support. Design: A national, observational, open online survey was developed and disseminated via social media, public fora and professional networks (June–September 2020). Validated instruments and purposively designed questions assessed experiences. Analysis used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of free-text responses. Participants: Individuals (⩾18 years) who had experienced the death of a relative/friend (all care settings) within the United Kingdome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents ( n = 278, mean 53.4 years) tended to be female ( n = 216, 78%); over half were ‘son/daughter’ (174, 62.6%) to the deceased. Deceased individuals (mean 81.6 years) most frequently died in their ‘usual place of care’ ( n = 192, 69.3%). Analysis established five conceptual themes affecting individualised care: (1) public health restrictions compounding the distress of ‘not knowing’; (2) disparate views about support from doctors and nurses; (3) challenges in communication and level of preparedness for the death; (4) delivery of compassionate care; (5) emotional needs and potential impact on grief. Male respondents (OR 2.9, p = 0.03) and those able to visit (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with good perceptions of family support. Conclusion: Despite public health restrictions, individualised care can be enabled by proactive, informative communication; recognising dying in a timely manner and facilitating the ability to be present before death.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Murray ◽  
Kelly Buttigieg ◽  
Michelle Todd ◽  
Vicky McKechnie

Abstract Background A subset of patients experience psychological distress following insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and ICD support groups are recommended, however access to these groups is limited. This study aimed: to gauge a better understanding of patients’ key ICD-related concerns; to determine patient interest in a support group and topics deemed helpful to address in a support group; and to examine factors which affect patient inclination to attend. Methods One hundred and thirty nine patients completed the ICD Patient Concerns Questionnaire – Brief (ICDC-B) and a semi-structured survey. Non-parametric tests were used to examine associations and differences in the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results 42% of respondents said they would attend a support group and inclination to attend was associated with higher ICD concerns and a shorter time since implant. Topics considered important to address in a group were information about heart conditions and devices, the impact of an ICD on daily life and coping with fear of shocks. Conclusion We concluded that there is interest in further support amongst many patients and that ICD support groups may be delivered efficiently by targeting patients who have higher levels of ICD concerns and within the first few years after implant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongjie Zhou ◽  
Ruoxi Wang ◽  
Lei Liu ◽  
Ting Ding ◽  
Lijuan Huo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although more and more attention has been paid to the psychological consequences of the lockdown policy amongst pregnant women, the underlying mechanism linking the lockdown policy to maternal depression has not been studied in the context of China. This study aimed to explore the association between the lockdown policy and maternal depressive symptoms, and whether such association was mediated by internet use and/or family support. Methods This cross-sectional study used multi-stage sampling techniques in central and western China. Data were collected from 1266 pregnant women using a structtured questionnaire that measured internet use, family support, and depressive symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Internet use was measured by length of usage and varierity of purpose for internet use. Family support was measureed by spousal support and parental support. The structural equation modelling was employed to conduct mediation analysis to test the specificity of the hypothetical paths. Results Overall, 527 respondents (41.63%) presented depressive symptoms. The lockdown policy was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in pregnant women (β = − 0.925, 95% CI = −1.510, − 0.360). The impact of the lockdown policy on depressive symptoms was partially mediated by internet use (β = 1.589, 95% CI = 0.730, 2.807) and family support (β = − 0.162, 95% CI = − 0.341, − 0.017), accounting for 42.67% of the total effect. Conclusions The lockdown policy was generally associated with fewer depressive symptoms in pregnant women. The lockdown policy increased maternal depressive symptoms through increased internet use, but decreased maternal depressive symptoms through enhanced family support. The findings suggest that the psychological consequence of the lockdown policy may vary across different populations, and warrant the need to take into consideration the features of subgroups.


Dementia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 985-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bailey ◽  
Paul Kingston ◽  
Simon Alford ◽  
Louise Taylor ◽  
Edward Tolhurst

This research aimed to ascertain the impact of a pragmatic Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course of 10 sessions on the cognitive function of people living with dementia and whether attending a concomitant carers support group was beneficial to carers. A mixed method quasi-experimental approach was adopted; data were collected pre- and post-intervention. The quantitative arm utilised three validated questionnaires rated by the carers. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with carers regarding their perceptions of the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and the carers support group. Quantitative data analysis found no statistically significant differences within or between groups. The qualitative data demonstrated that carers perceived Cognitive Stimulation Therapy had some benefits for the people living with dementia, especially social benefits. Carers also perceived that attending the carers support group was beneficial for them in terms of gaining a better understanding of dementia, developing coping skills and having peer support. The study was limited in scale and further research with a larger sample, using direct measures of the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy with people living with dementia and supplementary research exploring which characteristic of carers support groups are effective would be worthwhile.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-162
Author(s):  
Steffany M. Chleboun ◽  
Kathryn Brady ◽  
Jennie Zelenak

Much of what we know about stroke is limited to the first 5 years postinjury; however, the effects of having a stroke remain several years, even decades, postinjury, and the impact this has on an individual's quality of life over a long period of time is not completely understood. Purpose The purpose of this study was to understand one woman's experience living with the effects of stroke over multiple decades postinjury and to explore factors that affected her quality of life during this time. Method Using Grounded Theory methodology, data were drawn from 28 years of journals kept by the participant and from semistructured family interviews. Results Four major interacting themes emerged from the data: family support, faith, personality, and journaling. Findings are discussed in the context of resilience theory.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Daly ◽  
Danika Sharek ◽  
Jan DeVries ◽  
Colin Griffiths ◽  
Fintan Sheerin ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adek Setiyani ◽  
Budi Anna Keliat

AbstrakRemaja merupakan tahap perkembangan yang dilalui oleh setiap individu dan mempunyai tugas perkembangan dalam penentuan identitas diri. Dalam proses pembentukan identitas diri, remaja tidak hanya dipengaruhi oleh keluarga, tetapi juga oleh lingkungan sekolah dan teman sebaya. Kedekatan interpersonal remaja mulai bergeser kepada teman sebaya. Hal ini menyebabkan remaja rentan terhadap perilaku negatif, salah satunya perilaku penyalahgunaan Napza. Dampak dari perilaku penyalahgunaan Napza tidak hanya terhadap kesehatan remaja, tetapi juga terhadap hubungan dalam keluarga, hubungan sosial dan prestasi belajar. Untuk mengatasi dampak tersebut, remaja perlu rehabilitasi. Keberhasilan rehabilitasi dipengaruhi oleh motivasi remaja. Metode Penelitian menggunakan studi kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui motivasi remaja penyalahguna Napza dalam mengikuti program rehabilitasi. Hasil Respons remaja terhadap penyalahgunaan Napza diantaranya secara kognitif, afektif, fisiologis dan sosial sehingga memberikan dampak terhadap pendidikan, kesehatan fisik dan mental, hubungan dengan keluarga bahkan masalah hukum. Sebagian besar remaja penyalahguna Napza mengikuti rehabilitasi karena terpaksa, baik dipaksa oleh keluarga maupun karena terlibat masalah hukum. Untuk mendapatkan penanganan, remaja penyalahguna Napza memerlukan dukungan keluarga untuk mengambil keputusan untuk rehabilitasi dan memberikan dukungan selama mengikuti rehabilitasi. Tenaga kesehatan dapat meningkatkan motivasi remaja dalam mengikuti rehabilitasi dan meningkatkan dukungan keluarga melalui terapi modalitas.Kata kunci: Remaja, Penyalahgunaan Napza, Motivasi, RehabilitasiADOLESCENTS’ MOTIVATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUBSTANCE USE REHABILITATION PROGRAMAbstractAdolescence is a stage of development that is traversed by each individual and has a developmental task in determining self-identity. In the process of forming self-identity, adolescents are not only influenced by the family, but also by the school environment and peers. Teenage interpersonal closeness begins to shift to peers. This causes adolescents to be vulnerable to negative behavior, one of which is the behavior of drug abuse. The impact of drug abuse behavior is not only on adolescent health, but also on relationships in the family, social relations and learning achievement. To overcome this impact, adolescents need rehabilitation. The success of rehabilitation is influenced by the motivation of adolescents. Method: The study used a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach which aimed to determine the motivation of adolescent substance use in participating in a rehabilitation program. Results: The response of adolescents to drug abuse includes cognitive, affective, physiological and social so that it has an impact on education, physical and mental health, family relationships and even legal issues. Most teenagers who use drugs are forced to undergo rehabilitation, both forced by family and because of legal problems. To get treatment, teenagers who use drugs need family support to make decisions for rehabilitation and to provide support during rehabilitation. Recommendation: Health workers can increase the motivation of adolescents to follow rehabilitation and increase family support through therapy modalities.Keywords: Adolescents, Drug Abuse, Motivation, Rehabilitation


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S126-S126
Author(s):  
Sophie Behrman ◽  
Aisling Higham ◽  
Haido Vlachos ◽  
Gerti Stegen

AimsThe BMA's survey results (Caring for the Mental Health of the Medical Workforce, 2019) and HEE's NHS Staff and Learners’ Mental Wellbeing Commission report (2019) highlighted declining staff wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened focus on this and the effects of moral injury on healthcare professionals. Shielding, social distancing and redeployment led to many medical trainees being increasingly isolated at a time of heightened anxiety and adversity. Psychiatry trainees tend to have good access to reflective groups, but this is not customary in other training programmes.MethodIntervention“Trainees4trainees” was set up by trainees across specialties as a HEE-TV well-being project, led by the Deanery Trainee Improvement Fellow. Peer support groups are run on Zoom, facilitated by 2 trainees with special training in peer support. Psychiatry trainees have been involved in designing and facilitating groups and training facilitators from other specialties; facilitators have regular supervision from a consultant psychiatrist in medical psychotherapy. Trainees are supported to discuss challenging experiences and think about their emotional responses in a supportive and validating group.ResultFeedbackWe are in the process of formal data collection to assess the impact of the intervention. Informal feedback suggests the groups are a powerful support to individuals who otherwise have no avenue to think about the psychological impact of their experiences. The groups have supported trainees to feel less isolated and bolstered their resilience.ConclusionFuture plansWe have faced challenges in the practicalities of establishing and maintaining groups. We are working with Training Programme Directors to move towards running the groups in protected time within working hours and advocate that reflective groups, such as our peer support groups, are a key part of future medical and surgical Training Programmes.


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