scholarly journals Direct-to-Caregivers Research Dissemination: A Novel Approach to Targeting End-Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 808-809
Author(s):  
Lee Lindquist ◽  
Shahla Baharlou ◽  
Vanessa Ramirez-Zohfeld ◽  
Anna Liggett
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Research Dissemination ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Research Workshop ◽  
Conference Presentations ◽  
Research Findings

Abstract Dissemination of geriatrics research usually occurs through conference presentations or publications viewed by colleagues in the same field. Older adults and their family caregivers have limited direct access to research findings. We sought to pilot a direct-to-caregiver workshop with the intent to disseminate geriatrics research directly to family caregivers of older adults. As part of an academic national conference, an ‘Updates in Geriatrics Research’ workshop is presented as a compilation of innovative research published in the prior year. We distilled workshop content into a lay format which was presented to family caregivers at two community-based caregiver symposiums. Mixed method surveys were completed by family caregiver attendees with open-ended responses analyzed using content and constant-comparative techniques. Of the 29 survey respondents, all were female, mean age 58.9 yrs. (range 52-72), providing care to older adults, mean age 87.2 years (range 66-97). Respondents unanimously identified learning information pertinent to their care recipient. When asked: Do you feel that direct-to-caregiver research dissemination is useful, all respondents selected yes. Open-ended responses for reasons why revealed two main themes: 1.) Creating informed caregivers: “Caregivers need this information in their toolbox.” and 2.) Empowering caregiver-advocates: “The more we know, the better we can advocate for our loved ones and challenge their health care.” Respondents all planned on sharing information with others, specifically family, friends, and physicians. In conclusion, disseminating geriatrics research direct-to-caregivers is feasible. Researchers, who present their work for scientific conferences, should consider translating their findings into presentations for community-based family caregivers.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Lockdown Measures: Impact On Older Adults With Dementia And Their Caregivers In Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 142-142
Author(s):  
Tharshini Lokanathan ◽  
Hui-Ching Chen ◽  
W Quin Yow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Caregiving Stress ◽  
Community Based Services ◽  
Qualitative Analyses

Abstract Family caregivers typically rely on community-based services and social support networks to supplement their caregiving of older adults with dementia (OAwD). In April 2020, the Singapore government implemented a partial lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. We assessed the policy's impact on the physical and mental health of caregivers and their OAwD. As part of a larger study, 30 caregivers were interviewed and rated the stress they experienced when caring for an OAwD during the partial lockdown. Qualitative analyses found significant behavioral changes in OAwD such as irritability, aggression and hallucinations, which led some caregivers to believe their dependents’ condition had deteriorated, as well as heightened levels of caregiving stress. Overall, our preliminary results suggested that although social distancing measures may be effective in containing the spread of COVID-19, these measures could lead to negative outcomes on vulnerable populations such as OAwD and their caregivers.

Promoting Functional Independence among “At Risk” and Physically Frail Older Adults through Community-Based Fall-Risk-Reduction Programs

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra J. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Residential Care Facilities ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Fall Risk Reduction Program ◽  
Fall Risk Reduction

In recent years, a number of research investigations have been conducted in an effort to determine whether declining balance and mobility among older adults can be reversed or at least slowed. Unfortunately, the results of a number of these studies have not yielded positive outcomes. Three reasons are forwarded to account for these unsuccessful outcomes: the lack of a contemporary theory-based approach to the problem, the failure to use multiple and diverse measures of balance and mobility, and the failure to design multidimensional interventions that target the actual source(s) of the balance or mobility-related impairments. A model fall-risk-reduction program designed to address each of the shortcomings associated with previous research findings is presented. The program is group based and suitable for implementation in community-based and residential care facilities.

scholarly journals Recruitment and Retention in Diverse Cohorts: Lessons From Community-Engaged Efforts

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 473-473
Author(s):  
Carrie Nieman ◽  
Haera Han ◽  
George Rebok
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Intervention Research ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Effective behavioral interventions and associated trials reflect the complexity and context of the communities with which they are tailored and the behaviors they seek to address. Community-engaged methodology can serve to capture these complexities, particularly when focusing on health inequities. Significant health and healthcare disparities persist among racial/ethnic minorities and representation of racial/ethnic minorities is lacking within trials that reflects the diversity of the U.S. population. Novel approaches are needed to increase the diversity of participants within behavioral intervention research. This symposium covers the unique barriers and facilitators related to recruitment and retention across a range of populations, including African American and Hispanic/LatinX older adults with hearing loss to diverse dementia family caregivers and community-dwelling Korean American older adults. Beyond the challenges and opportunities, the symposium will focus on effective recruitment strategies. The discussion will include 1) findings from 10 years of recruiting older Korean Americans into community-based trials, 2) lessons in tailoring recruitment efforts to dementia family caregivers, 3) the integration of human-centered design into a community-engaged hearing care intervention targeting low-income and African American older adults, 4) successful recruitment and retention efforts in a community-based participatory research trial in a borderlands community, and 5) the deployment of strategies to recruit Latino, Asian, and African American older adults with depression and anxiety in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. This symposium seeks to build the evidence related to recruitment of older racial/ethnic minorities in diverse settings, which is fundamental to addressing health inequities through behavioral intervention research.

scholarly journals Carer Café in Taiwan: An Innovative Model Providing Caregiver Support for Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 487-487
Author(s):  
Tsuann Kuo ◽  
Su-I Hou
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Pilot Survey ◽  
One Year ◽  
Coffee Shops

Abstract Physical places and environments play critical roles in shaping how people interact. This paper introduces an innovative Carer Café model in Taiwan with social infrastructure support and services for family caregivers caring for older adults. Carer cafés are community-based initiatives of Taiwan Association of Family Caregivers (TAFC), aiming to help carers recognizing their own needs and increase awareness of long-term care resources available. Through partnerships with local coffee shops, respite-focused services are provided. The “free coffee for two” campaign encourages family members and friends taking a caregiver out for a “respite coffee”. Carer Café has also become an important “third place” hosting respite programs and the “a shop within a shop” style creating designated space to build a sense of community. Pilot survey (n=375) showed 77% perceived reduced stress, 83% appreciated services provided, and 250% increased referrals within one year. Implications on impact and future opportunities will be discussed.

scholarly journals EAST Meets West Symposium: Community-Based Programs for Dementia Prevention and Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 486-487
Author(s):  
Fei Sun ◽  
Melissa Batchelor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Community Based Programs

Abstract This East Meets West Symposium presents cross-cultural evidence of community-based programs developed to address cognitive health needs of older adults or to support dementia family caregivers. It includes five studies from mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S.A. The first study explored the adherence to computerized cognitive training to promote cognitive health among Chinese older adults using a qualitative approach. External encouragement, and self-awareness of performance improvement were found influential to older adults’ adherence. The second study spearheaded by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in the U.S.A shed further light on technology use in promoting brain health by comparing in-person versus online cognitive training to older Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third study tested the effectiveness of a cognitive health management model for community-dwelling older adults including healthy and mild cognitively impaired (MCI) ones in Shanghai, China. Older adults with MCI who received the management service showed better cognition outcomes compared to their counterparts in the control group. The fourth study focused on a community program named “Carer Café”, developed to support dementia family caregiver in Taiwan. Participants (n=375) reported reduced stress and increased access to service referrals. The last study examined the stakeholders’ perceptions of dementia friendly initiatives (DFI) being implemented in U.S.A, mainland China, and Taiwan to support persons with dementia and family caregivers. The impacts of DFI made, challenges DFI faced, and strategies DFI used during COVID-19 pandemic were discussed. The discussant will comment on each article’s contributions and limitations in the context of literature.

Home First: Exploring the Impact of Community-based Home Care for Older Adults and Their Family Caregivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roslyn M. Compton ◽  
Alex Olirus Owilli ◽  
Vera Caine ◽  
Charlotte Berendonk ◽  
Donna Jouan-Tapp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Based Services

ABSTRACTGiven the rapidly expanding older adult population, finding health care approaches that support older adults to age in their choice of place, with an accompanying philosophical re-orientation of health services, is becoming more urgent. We studied the Home Care Home First – Quick Response Project to understand how clients over age 75 and their family caregivers perceived the enhanced community-based services delivered through Home First. Using interpretive description as the methodological design, we explored the experiences of eight older adults and 11 family caregivers; all older adults were enrolled in Home First due to a significant change in their health status. We identified four themes: growing older in chosen places with support, philosophy of care, processes of Home First, and the significance of Home First for clients. Overall, clients and family caregivers responded positively to the Home First services. Clients valued their independence and growing older in places they had specifically chosen.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia Regarding Symptom Management and the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 154-155
Author(s):  
Melissa Harris ◽  
Marita Titler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Psychological Responses ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Nearly 98% of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Although BPSD are linked to caregiver burden, perceptions of family caregivers on the impact of BPSD and their experiences addressing them in the home are unclear, and little is known about the impact of the pandemic on these experiences. Study aims were to explore: 1) the experiences of family caregivers of community dwelling older adults with ADRD regarding BPSD and how they manage BPSD in the home, and 2) how the pandemic impacted family caregivers’ experiences, BPSD of their relatives, and BPSD management. A qualitative, exploratory approach was used; 21 family caregivers were interviewed virtually. Content analysis and constant comparative methods were used. Ten major themes emerged: 1) Emotional and psychological responses of caregiver, 2) Loss, 3) Anticipation, 4) Reliance, 5) Learning to caregive, 6) Rewarding, 7) Emotional and psychological responses of care recipient 8) Cognition of care recipient, 9) Care strategies, 10) Caregiver perspectives. Caregivers did not use terms “behaviors” or “symptoms”, instead they described their relatives’ and their own experiences interdependently. Caregiving challenges presented before the pandemic (e.g. equivocal effects of medications, increasing care demands), many of which were compounded by the pandemic. Future research should explore the experiences of caregivers from a range of backgrounds. Findings illustrate communication barriers exist between clinicians, community services, people with ADRD and their families which may be addressed through clinician education, family-centered care planning, and policies to expand support service access.

scholarly journals Telegerontology as a Novel Approach to Address Health and Safety by Supporting Community-Based Rural Dementia Care Triads: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Wallack ◽  
Chelsea Harris ◽  
Michelle Ploughman ◽  
Roger Butler
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Term Care ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Novel Approach

BACKGROUND Telegerontology is an approach using videoconferencing to connect an interdisciplinary team in a regional specialty center to patients in rural communities, which is becoming increasingly practical for addressing current limitations in rural community-based dementia care. OBJECTIVE Using the remotely-delivered expertise of the Telegerontology dementia care team, we aim to enhance the caregiver/patient/physician triad and thereby provide the necessary support for the person with dementia to “age in place.” METHODS This is a cluster randomized feasibility trial with four rural regions in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (2 regions randomly assigned to “intervention” and 2 to “control”). The study population includes 22 “dementia triads” that consist of a community-dwelling older Canadian with moderate to late dementia, their family caregivers, and their Primary Care Physician (PCP). Over the 6-month active study period, all participants will be provided an iPad. The intervention is intended as an adjunct to existing PCP care, consisting of weekly Skype-based videoconferencing calls with the Telegerontology physician, and other team members as needed (occupational therapist, physical therapist etc). Control participants receive usual community-based dementia care with their PCP. A baseline (pre-) assessment will be performed during a home visit with the study team. Post intervention, 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments will be collected remotely using specialized dementia monitoring applications and Skype calls. Primary outcomes include admission to long-term care, falls, emergency room visits, hospital stays, and caregiver burden. RESULTS Results will be available in March of 2018. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study will demonstrate a novel approach to dementia care that has the potential to impact both rural PCPs, family caregivers, and people with dementia, as well as provide evidence for the utility of Telegerontology in models of eHealth-based care.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING ON FAMILY CAREGIVER SOCIAL ISOLATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S899-S899
Author(s):  
Tony Gallanis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Recipients

Abstract Social isolation has been shown to associate with negative health outcomes including depression and stress. For family caregivers of older adults, the demands on the caregiver often are associated with increasing feelings of loneliness and decreased social contact. The degree to which the caregiver’s social isolation is related to the complexity of the caregiving situation remains unknown. Through a cross-sectional analysis of 526 family caregivers from the Family Caregiver Alliance client record database, an association has been established between care recipient functional decline and caregiver social isolation. Social isolation was measured through the Lubben Social Network Scale and functional decline was measured through ADL/IADL reporting. Covariates controlled for in the analysis included caregiver ethnicity, duration of caregiving, adult child status, caregiver education, care recipient income, and hours per week caregiving. Family caregivers of care recipients with higher functional decline experienced elevated odds of social isolation as compared to family caregivers of care recipients with little to no functional decline. The results from this study highlight the need for medical personnel and non-profit actors to anticipate social isolation as a risk factor for family caregivers of older adults given the care recipient is experiencing functional decline.

scholarly journals A national survey of caregiver’s own experiences and perceptions of U.S. health care system when addressing their health and caring for an older adult

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill C. Slaboda ◽  
Sandahl H. Nelson ◽  
Zia Agha ◽  
Gregory J. Norman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Caregiving is a demanding role that can negatively impact a person’s health and well-being. As such, adequate access to health care is important for maintaining the family caregiver’s own personal health. The aims of this study were to identify if family caregivers of older adults had more difficulty accessing health care services than non-caregivers and to identify if family caregivers felt access to additional services would be beneficial for maintaining their own personal health care. Methods National survey of 3026 US adults aged 30 to 89 years old. Participants were grouped based on self-reported caregiving experience. Survey asked about access to care, importance of health care services and whether caregivers had support needed. Descriptive statistics were used to compare caregiver and non-caregiver’s responses. Multivariate logistic regression model assessed correlates of caregivers not having the support they needed. Results Caregivers were older, female, lower educational attainment, lower income, had more multiple chronic health conditions and health condition or disability that impacts their daily life. Caregivers reported difficulty accessing mental health services, dental services, medications, and supportive services at home. Caregivers felt it was important to have care coordinator, long-term relationship with primary care provider and access to house calls, telemedicine, and medications delivered to the home. Age, ethnicity, chronic conditions and confidence in finances were factors influencing whether caregiver had support needed to provide assistance to older care recipient. Conclusion Caregivers provide needed support and care to older adults while also needing support for themselves. Health care services delivered in the home were highly desirable to caregivers and could help them maintain their health and well-being.

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