scholarly journals Aspects of Grit Among Dementia Family Caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 8-8
Author(s):  
Jyoti Savla ◽  
Karen Roberto ◽  
Jennifer Margrett
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Spiritual Support ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Dementia Caregiver ◽  
Caregiving Roles ◽  
Caregiver Role ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia family caregivers often show deep devotion and a strong sense of purpose and duty toward their relatives needing care. The concept of grit, which includes aspects of commitment, purpose, perseverance, and resilience, is a novel theoretical approach to expanding understanding of dementia family caregiver strengths amidst the challenges they face. Multiple psychosocial and contextual factors are likely to interact with and influence grit among these caregivers. This symposium addresses commitment to the family dementia caregiver role, willingness to embrace the stressful work of caregiving, and perseverance in finding ways to sustain caregiving roles under typical and adverse circumstances. Blieszner focuses on associations between grit and stressors and strains that challenge caregiver well-being and jeopardize continued caregiving. Wilks considers the impact of spiritual support on sustaining resilience among Caucasian and African American dementia caregivers. McCann explores caregivers’ responses to changes in informal support and social interactions available to assist with home care tasks over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Albers examines the strengths and resources caregivers draw upon to manage the challenges of caring for and supporting a relative in long-term residential care during the pandemic. Collectively, these presentations provide new insights into the range of influences on aspects of grit and circumstances in which grit sustains caregiving. Discussant Margrett considers the value of the concept of grit for furthering understanding of caregivers’ abilities to manage typical and unique challenges in their caregiver roles and offers suggestions for future research and interventions to enhance grit among dementia family caregivers.

scholarly journals Emotional Experiences of Dementia Caregiving Transitions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 72-72
Author(s):  
Emily Ihara ◽  
Catherine Tompkins ◽  
William Kennedy ◽  
Rhea Vance-Cheng ◽  
Bianca Kwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional Experiences ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Nursing Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Symptom Progression ◽  
Feeling Overwhelmed

Abstract Research indicates that family caregivers of individuals living with dementia are at risk for high levels of stress, depression, physical health declines, and illness. The health and well-being of family caregivers is critically important to a long-term care system that is dependent on them to continue their caregiving role. In-depth individual and focus group interviews of 16 dementia caregivers were conducted to explore the emotional experiences of caregiving stress during transitions of individuals living with dementia to a higher level of care. Data were transcribed verbatim, checked for accuracy, and analyzed by at least two members of the research team. Line-by-line coding, memo writing, and constant comparative analyses were conducted until redundancy, when no new themes were discovered. Caregivers described various levels of feeling overwhelmed and symptom progression leading to the move to a nursing facility. Social isolation featured prominently, with caregivers describing a gradual erosion of their social network and socializing opportunities because of their caregiving responsibilities and the care recipient’s deteriorating symptoms. Caregivers described feeling isolated and stigmatized. One caregiver said, “…you’re being less invited, you’re being less involved. People don’t know how to deal with you…I don’t know if they become the pariah or I become the pariah.” At the same time, maintaining social connections and having help with caregiving featured prominently in the coping mechanisms described. The health of caregivers is equally as important as the person living with dementia, and programs, interventions, and resources should be a priority for supporting families through transitions.

Assessing the impact of durable flooring structures on refugee sleep quality and duration

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas James Greene ◽  
Christina Ann Chao
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
The Impact

Conflict and persecution continue to displace people from their homes adding to an already overwhelming refugee crisis worldwide. Overall, refugee health is difficult to measure objectively and is influenced by a number of factors including transient, and often inadequate, housing conditions. Emergency Floor (EF) is a quickly deployable, lightweight, insulated flooring system intended to protect temporary structures from extreme temperatures and outdoor conditions. A pilot study was conducted in two informal tented settlements in Hermel-Baalbek, Lebanon to assess how installing Emergency Floors in tented shelters impacted sleep duration and quality, indicators of overall wellness, among refugees. A baseline survey was administered, and Emergency Floors were installed in all households in both settlements in October 2016. A follow-up survey was conducted to record outcomes in April 2017. Thirty-four households consisting of 150 individuals participated in the baseline survey. Seven households were were not available for follow-up survey due to moving away from the area. The final sample yielded a total of 27 households and 120 individuals. Results indicated that sleep duration significantly increased, and sleep quality significantly improved after EF installation. Furthermore, respondents reported feeling more comfortable, warmer, safer, and cleaner when sleeping in a shelter with EF installed. These encouraging results suggest an overall increase in perceived well-being. Future research should continue monitoring floors to assess long term wear and explore additional uses for EF in other temporary structures.

scholarly journals Grief Experiences in Family Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Bravo-Benítez ◽  
María Nieves Pérez-Marfil ◽  
Belén Román-Alegre ◽  
Francisco Cruz-Quintana
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Caregiver Role ◽  
The Impact

The main objective of this study was to analyse the experience of grief and feelings of loss in family caregivers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the perceived overload from taking on the primary caregiver role. Twenty family caregivers of children with ASD participated. The family members were assessed using an ad-hoc semi-structured interview that addressed the families’ reactions to the diagnosis, implications for daily functioning, and concerns for the immediate and long-term future of their relatives with ASD. The results indicate that family caregivers of children with ASD endure intense and continuous sorrow and grief due to the impact that having and caring for a child with these characteristics has on all aspects of their lives. These data highlight the importance of creating support and intervention programmes and services focused on the feelings and manifestations of ambiguous grief that occur in these family members, in order to improve their well-being and quality of life and reduce caregiver role overload.

scholarly journals Horticulture-based Interventions to Enhance Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Dementia in the Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 647-647
Author(s):  
Theresa Scott ◽  
Ying-Ling Jao ◽  
Kristen Tulloch ◽  
Yates Eloise ◽  
Nancy Pachana
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intervention Design ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Residential Settings ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The majority of people living with dementia in the early and middle stages are cared for at home by family caregivers. Participation in meaningful activities is important for good quality of life. Recreation based on horticulture is beneficial for people living with dementia in residential settings, yet evidence within community settings is less clear. The aim of this research was to examine the existing evidence for the impact of using contact with nature, gardens and plants to enhance well-being of people living with dementia in the community. Our secondary aim was to explore the outcome domains and instruments that were employed in the existing research studies, to inform future research efforts and guide clinical practice. A systematic search was conducted covering several databases and gray literature. Original studies that examined group or individual horticulture-based activities or interventions were included. Of 2127 articles identified through searching, 10 were selected for full review. The findings reveal that horticulture-based intervention showed positive impacts on food intake, social interaction, and well-being in older adults with dementia. Some evidence shows that horticulture-based activities may alleviate stressful symptoms associated with living with dementia. Future research may further evaluate the effect of the interventions on cognitive function, physical function, and behavioral symptoms in a more rigorous intervention design.

scholarly journals Navigating COVID-19 and Long-Term Care: Dementia Caregivers' Challenges and Strengths

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 9-9
Author(s):  
Lauren Mitchell ◽  
Elizabeth Albers ◽  
Robyn Birkeland ◽  
Henry Stabler ◽  
Jinhee Cha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intervention Trial ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract Persons with dementia living in long-term care settings have been especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their family caregivers have had to cope with numerous additional stressors during this time. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews and gathered open-ended survey data from N=104 caregivers participating in an ongoing intervention trial at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Open-ended questions explored the difficulties caregivers have experienced in caring for and supporting a relative in long-term residential care. Caregivers provided their perspectives about services and supports that have facilitated coping with uncertainty, anxiety, and loss during the pandemic, and identified resources and strengths they have found helpful in caring for their relatives. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes reflecting the key challenges and supports that have emerged for caregivers, and to highlight caregivers' recommendations for promoting their and their relatives' well-being during this crisis.

Impact of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) on family caregivers

2019 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2018-001686
Author(s):  
Rachel Goldberg ◽  
Rinat Nissim ◽  
Ekaterina An ◽  
Sarah Hales
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Terminal Illness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Moral Dilemmas ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Anticipatory Grief ◽  
Medical Assistance ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Medical Assistance In Dying ◽  
The Impact

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is a globally polarising topic which often sparks debate surrounding the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise with a life-ending intervention. To gain a better understanding of this intervention, it is important to explore the experience of those most intimately affected by MAiD. Family caregivers of those with a terminal illness are the backbone of the healthcare and support team, often providing a substantial amount of informal care while at the same time coping with their own distress and anticipatory grief. However, we know the least about how MAiD impacts the psychosocial well-being of these same individuals. The aim of this article is to explore the experience of MAiD from the family caregiver perspective, namely their beliefs and opinions about the intervention, how the process of MAiD impacts them, how the intervention shapes their view of their loved one’s quality of death, and the psychosocial outcomes after the passing of their loved one. Beyond the literature, challenges within both the clinical and research realms will be discussed and future directions will be offered. While MAiD is currently legal in only a small number of countries, a better understanding of the impact of MAiD will help inform policy and legislation as they are developed in other jurisdictions. Further, this article aims to inform future research and clinical interventions in order to better understand and support those seeking MAiD and their families.

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 Effect of Barley Sowing Density on the Integrated Weed Management of Lolium rigidum (Annual Ryegrass) in Mediterranean Dryland: A Modeling Approach

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1565
Author(s):  
María Belén D’Amico ◽  
Guillermo R. Chantre ◽  
Guillermo L. Calandrini ◽  
José L. González-Andújar
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Weed Infestation ◽  
High Control ◽  
Weed Dynamics ◽  
The Impact

Population models are particularly helpful for understanding long-term changes in the weed dynamics associated with integrated weed management (IWM) strategies. IWM practices for controlling L. rigidum are of high importance, mainly due to its widespread resistance that precludes chemical control as a single management method. The objective of this contribution is to simulate different IWM scenarios with special emphasis on the impact of different levels of barley sowing densities on L. rigidum control. To this effect, a weed–crop population model for both L. rigidum and barley life cycles was developed. Our results point out: (i) the necessity of achieving high control efficiencies (>99%), (ii) that the increase of twice the standard sowing density of barley resulted in a reduction of 23.7% of the weed density, (iii) non-herbicide-based individual methods, such as delayed sowing and weed seed removal at harvest, proved to be inefficient for reducing drastically weed population, (iv) the implementation of at least three control tactics (seed removal, delay sowing and herbicides) is required for weed infestation eradication independently of the sowing rate, and (v) the effect of an increase in the sowing density is diluted as a more demanding weed control is reached. Future research should aim to disentangle the effect of different weed resistance levels on L. rigidum population dynamics and the required efficiencies for more sustainable IWM programs.

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.

Mandatory Reporting and Adolescent Sexual Assault

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110302
Author(s):  
Caroline Bailey ◽  
Jessica Shaw ◽  
Abril Harris
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mandatory Reporting ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of sexual violence, higher than any other age-group. This is concerning as sexual violence can have detrimental effects on teens’ personal and relational well-being, causing long-term consequences for the survivor. Still, adolescents are hesitant to report the assault or seek out services and resources. When an adolescent survivor does seek out services, they may interact with a provider who is a mandatory reporter. This scoping review sought to synthesize the current U.S.-based research on the role, challenges, and impact of mandatory reporting (MR) in the context of adolescent sexual assault. Database searches using key words related to MR, sexual assault, and adolescence identified 29 peer-reviewed articles. However, none of these articles reported on empirical investigations of the phenomenon of interest and instead consisted of case studies, commentaries, and position papers. The scoping review was expanded to provide a lay of the land of what we know about the intersection of adolescent sexual assault and MR. Results of the review indicate that though implemented broadly, MR policies vary between individuals, organizations, and states and have historically been challenging to implement due to this variation, conflicts with other laws, tension between these policies and providers’ values, and other factors. Based on the available literature, the impact of MR in the context of adolescent sexual assault is unknown. There is a critical need for research and evaluation on the implementation and impact of MR policies, especially in the context of adolescents and sexual violence.

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