Caring for Family Caregivers in Australia: A Model of Psychoeducational Support

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L. Schultz ◽  
Kosmas X. Smyrnios ◽  
Carolyn F. Grbich ◽  
Noel C. Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Level Model ◽  
Programme Development ◽  
Group Programme

ABSTRACTThe present paper describes and traces the emergence of an innovative psychoeducational model of support for family caregivers of dependent elderly persons, its associated systematic evaluation and leadership training process, provides details of a small group programme and its underlying philosophy, and reports on outcome evaluation research ascertained from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses. Details of these analyses are presented within the context provided by a three-level model of support, which recruits and trains professionals from a range of disciplines to help families in caregiving situations. The 72 treatment and 29 waiting-list control subjects were assessed at pretreatment and at posttest on measures of anxiety and psychological well-being. Statistically significant differences emerged between the treatment and waiting-list control groups on these measures. Positive changes for programme participants were further demonstrated by contextual analysis of evaluative responses. Implications for practitioners, educators, and policy specialists, as well as for research and programme development are discussed.

Differences between Anglo-Celtic and Italian Caregivers of Dependent Elderly Persons: a Pilot Study

1997 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 699-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
GINO P. CARRAFA ◽  
CYNTHIA L. SCHULTZ ◽  
KOSMAS X. SMYRNIOS
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Trait Anxiety ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Dependent Elderly

This paper describes a preliminary investigation of differences in family caregiving in Australia. Forty-eight Italian-born family caregivers of dependent elderly persons were compared with 461 caregivers of Anglo-Celtic origin on measures reflecting psychological health and well-being, and on a range of socio-demographic variables. The latter had participated in the national Caring for Family Caregivers (CFC) group programme; the former are residents of the Melbourne metropolitan area. Statistical tests were conducted on measures which included the Affect Balance Scale (Bradburn and Noll 1969) and the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al. 1983) and its translation (Pedrabassi and Santinello 1989). Findings indicated that Italians reported experiencing significantly less trait anxiety than Anglo-Celtic caregivers. Furthermore, significantly more Italians used community supports, were employed full-time, had lower levels of education, and reported better levels of general health than Anglo-Celtics. Implications for research and practice are drawn.

scholarly journals Patterns of use of time by family caregivers of elderly persons with dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elcyana Bezerra Carvalho ◽  
Anita Liberalesso Neri
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Cognitive Disability ◽  
Subjective Burden ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Objectives: to describe patterns of use of time in family caregivers of elderly people with dementia, considering the characteristics of the caregivers, the care recipients and the context. Method: Fifty family caregivers of elderly people with intermediate and high levels of physical and cognitive disability participated in an interview about time spent on obligatory care activities over four periods of six hours during a 24-hour period. In addition, a questionnaire about social activities, scales of physical and cognitive functionality of the elderly and an inventory of burden in the family caregivers were applied. Results: 88.0% of the caregivers were women, with a mean age of 57.9 (±11.2) years; 45.92% of the time of the caregivers was used in care activities, 36.92% in discretionary activities, 31.17% in recuperation, and 25.67% in the obligatory activities of the life of the caregiver. The greater the dependence, the longer the care, the less time for self-care and greater the caregivers’ subjective burden. Conclusion: The level of dependence of elderly persons affected by dementia results in an increase in caregiving time and competes with other activities performed by the caregiver. Reorganization of the use of time by family caregivers and provision of formal support can reduce the caregiving burden and benefit the well-being of caregivers.

The Sign 4 Big Feelings intervention to improve early years outcomes in preschool children: Outcome evaluation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Davidson ◽  
Gurch Randhawa
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Children’S Wellbeing ◽  
Preschool Age Children ◽  
Measuring Change ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Clinically Significant

BACKGROUND Any delays in language development may affect learning, profoundly influencing personal, social, and professional trajectories. The effectiveness of the Sign 4 Big Feelings (S4BF) intervention was investigated by measuring change in early years outcomes after a three month period. OBJECTIVE To determine whether Early Years Outcomes (EYOs) significantly improve (beyond typical expected development), if children’s wellbeing improves after the S4BF intervention period, and if there are differences between boys and girls in any progress made. METHODS An evaluation of S4BF was conducted with 111 preschool age children in early years settings in Luton, United Kingdom. Listening, speaking, understanding, and managing feelings and behaviour, in addition to Leuven well-being scales were used in a quasi-experimental study design to measure outcomes pre- and postintervention. RESULTS Statistically and clinically significant differences were found for each of the seven pre- and post measures taken: words understood and spoken, well-being scores, and the four EYO domains. Gender differences were negligible in all analyses undertaken. CONCLUSIONS Children of all abilities may benefit considerably from S4BF, but a language-based intervention of this nature may be transformational for children who are behind developmentally, with EAL needs or of lower socio-economic status. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN42025531; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN42025531

Smart technology-assisted Home Nursing Care Program for Persons with Dementia or Hip Fracture: Implementation Difficulties: Thematic Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yea-Ing Shyu ◽  
Chung-Chih Lin ◽  
Ching-Tzu Yang ◽  
Pei-Ling Su ◽  
Jung-Ling Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Home Nursing ◽  
Smart Technology ◽  
Smart Clothing ◽  
Home Nursing Care

BACKGROUND Wearable devices have been developed and implemented to improve data collection in remote health care and smart care. Wearable devices have the advantage of always being with individuals, enabling easy detection of their movements. In this study, we developed and implemented a smart-care system using smart clothing for persons with dementia and with hip fracture. We conducted a preliminary study to understand family caregivers’ and care receivers’ experiences of receiving a smart technology-assisted (STA) home-nursing care program. OBJECTIVE This paper reports the difficulties we encountered and strategies we developed during the feasibility phase of studies on the effectiveness of our STA home-nursing care program for persons with dementia and hip fracture. METHODS Our care model, a STA home-nursing care program for persons with dementia and those with hip fracture included a remote-monitoring system for elderly persons wearing smart clothing was used to facilitate family caregivers’ detection of elderly persons’ movements. These movements included getting up at night, staying in the bathroom for more than 30 minutes, not moving more than 2 hours during the day, leaving the house, and daily activities. Participants included 13 families with 5 patients with hip fracture and 7 with dementia. Research nurses documented the difficulties they encountered during the process. RESULTS Difficulties encountered in this smart-care study were categorized into problems setting up the smart-care environment, problems running the system, and problems with participant acceptance/adherence. These difficulties caused participants to drop out, the system to not function or delayed function, inability to collect data, extra costs of manpower, and financial burden. Strategies to deal with these problems are also reported. CONCLUSIONS During the implementation of smart care at home for persons with dementia or hip fracture, different aspects of difficulties were found and strategies were taken. The findings of this study can provide a reference for future implementation of similar smart-home devices.

scholarly journals 407 - The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool: The Role for a New Tool for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 123-123
Author(s):  
Ken Schwartz ◽  
Robert Madan ◽  
Anna Berall ◽  
Marsha Natadira ◽  
Anna Santiago
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Quick Response ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
High Level ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Background:Responsive behaviours in dementia are associated with poor outcomes for the person with dementia (PWD) and caregiver burnout. Family caregivers need a variety of tools to manage responsive behaviours. The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool was developed to provide caregivers with a tool that can be used in real time. In this study, the feasibility, impact, and effectiveness of this new tool were studied in family caregivers and health care providers (HCP) using quantitative and qualitative measures.Methods:Family caregivers were recruited and were asked to complete a pre-survey before being sent the link to the educational tool. One month after the telephone survey, caregivers were sent an online post-survey to gather their feedback on the tool and the impact of the tool on caregiver well -being. Healthcare providers were also recruited and reviewed the tool through an online feedback survey. The feasibility, impact, and effectiveness of the tool were assessed using quantitative and qualitative measures.Results:Caregivers had a moderate degree of and reported a high level of competence - these scores were maintained throughout the study. Caregivers reported that tool positively impacted their compassion towards the person with dementia (PWD), and that their interactions with improved. 100% of HCP who completed the feedback survey would recommend the tool to other HCP and to caregivers of PWD. The caregivers and HCP provided specific suggestions for improvement.Conclusions:The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool was found to be feasible and helpful. It provides caregivers and HCP with an additional approach for responsive behaviours.

scholarly journals Physical activity coaching for adults with mobility limitations: protocol for the ComeBACK pragmatic hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 1 randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e034696
Author(s):  
Leanne Hassett ◽  
Anne Tiedemann ◽  
Rana S Hinman ◽  
Maria Crotty ◽  
Tammy Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Motivational Resources

IntroductionMobility limitation is common and often results from neurological and musculoskeletal health conditions, ageing and/or physical inactivity. In consultation with consumers, clinicians and policymakers, we have developed two affordable and scalable intervention packages designed to enhance physical activity for adults with self-reported mobility limitations. Both are based on behaviour change theories and involve tailored advice from physiotherapists.Methods and analysisThis pragmatic hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 1 randomised control trial (n=600) will be undertaken among adults with self-reported mobility limitations. It aims to estimate the effects on physical activity of: (1) an enhanced 6-month intervention package (one face-to-face physiotherapy assessment, tailored physical activity plan, physical activity phone coaching from a physiotherapist, informational/motivational resources and activity monitors) compared with a less intensive 6-month intervention package (single session of tailored phone advice from a physiotherapist, tailored physical activity plan, unidirectional text messages, informational/motivational resources); (2) the enhanced intervention package compared with no intervention (6-month waiting list control group); and (3) the less intensive intervention package compared with no intervention (waiting list control group). The primary outcome will be average steps per day, measured with the StepWatch Activity Monitor over a 1-week period, 6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include other physical activity measures, measures of health and functioning, individualised mobility goal attainment, mental well-being, quality of life, rate of falls, health utilisation and intervention evaluation. The hybrid effectiveness-implementation design (type 1) will be used to enable the collection of secondary implementation outcomes at the same time as the primary effectiveness outcome. An economic analysis will estimate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of the interventions compared with no intervention and to each other.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained by Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Zone. Dissemination will be via publications, conferences, newsletters, talks and meetings with health managers.Trial registration numberACTRN12618001983291.

scholarly journals Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

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