scholarly journals Interdisciplinary Community-Based Support for Caregivers of Individuals Living with Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 812-812
Author(s):  
Gina Tucker-Roghi ◽  
Sarah Tucker ◽  
Jamie Escoubas ◽  
Renee Tolliver
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Therapist ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Marriage And Family ◽  
Day Program

Abstract Evidence indicates family caregivers of individuals living with dementia (ILwD) are at risk for diminished physical and mental health; which may decrease their quality of life and directly impact their ability to provide care. An interdisciplinary approach to self-care and skill-building for caregivers is provided in a virtual support group offered by Council on Aging in Sonoma County, CA. As part of the nonprofit’s Adult Day Program, the group is offered to client caregivers and has two goals: First, creating a community-based, long-term support system for ILwD who are aging-in-place; second, fostering a safe and supportive community for family caregivers, by providing opportunities to collaborate with peers and an interdisciplinary team that includes a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), an Occupational Therapist (OT), and a Recreation Therapist (the day program manager). The closed group model established through eight weekly sessions builds trusting relationships in a frame that combines: the OT client-centered and collaborative approach to problem-solving everyday challenges of caregiving, the MFT skills of creating a safe space for discussion and deeper exploration, and program staff insights regarding the ILwD’s current interests and abilities exhibited during Day Program activities. Sessions include an emotional check-in by group members; a brief overview of best-practices and common caregiving concerns related to a weekly topic; and an opportunity for caregivers to explore the integration of best-practices into daily routines, while also attending to their well-being as caregivers. Program evaluation and results related to the program’s effectiveness and implications for scalability will be discussed.

Mental Health Outcomes of Peer-led Therapeutic Adventure for Military Veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 105382592110495
Author(s):  
Joanna Ellen Bettmann ◽  
Ileana Anderson ◽  
Joe Makouske ◽  
Adam Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Adventure Program

Background: Skepticism of therapy and stigma are significant barriers for veterans with mental health issues. Therapeutic adventure shows promise in addressing veterans’ mental health needs while circumventing the stigma many veterans face in initiating treatment. Purpose: Given the small group model of therapeutic adventure programs, such programs may be ideal to provide social support for veterans and reduce mental health symptomology. The present study investigated: can a brief peer-led therapeutic adventure program modify veterans’ mental health symptoms? Methodology/Approach: The study's sample included 56 participants attending one Sierra Club Military Outdoors trip lasting at least three days and two nights and involving camping. Participants completed study measurements assessing depression, anxiety, stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, substance misuse symptoms, and suicidality at pre-trip, post-trip, one-month post trip, six-months post trip, and 12-months post trip. Six-month and 12-month post-trip data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings/Conclusions: Results indicated significant reduction in mental health symptomology from pre-trip to post-trip, but showed few longer-term changes in mental health symptomology. Implications: The present study's findings are consistent with research suggesting improvements in overall psychological well-being immediately following a nature-based intervention and suggest the need for on-going, community-based interventions to support optimally military veterans’ mental health.

Psychosocial Care for Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1227-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Northouse ◽  
Anna-leila Williams ◽  
Barbara Given ◽  
Ruth McCorkle
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Recommendations For Practice

Purpose To understand family caregivers' needs for better preparation and care, this state-of-the-science review examines the effect of caregiving on the health and well-being of caregivers, the efficacy of research-tested interventions on patient and caregiver outcomes, implications of the research on policy and practice, and recommendations for practice and future research. Methods We reviewed research that described the multiple effects of cancer on caregivers' well-being. Five meta-analyses were analyzed to determine the effect of interventions with caregivers on patient and caregiver outcomes. In addition, we reviewed legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the Family Leave Act along with current primary care practice to determine whether family caregivers' needs have been addressed. Results Research findings indicate that caregiver stress can lead to psychological and sleep disturbances and changes in caregivers' physical health, immune function, and financial well-being. Research-tested interventions delivered to caregivers of patients with cancer or other chronic illnesses can reduce many of these negative effects and improve caregivers' coping skills, knowledge, and quality of life. Although these interventions also decrease patients' symptoms, reduce mortality (non-dementia patients), and improve patients' physical and mental health, they are seldom implemented in practice. Conclusion Recommendations for practice include development of standardized guidelines that address caregiver assessment, education, and resources; identification of “caregiver champions” in practice settings; provision of referrals to established support organizations for caregivers (eg, Cancer Support Community, Cancer Care); and collaboration among caregiving, professional, and cancer-related organizations to advocate policy and practice changes for 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.

scholarly journals Best practices addressing healthcare care access of migrants and refugees in European countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Riza ◽  
S Kalkman ◽  
P Karnaki ◽  
D Zota ◽  
A Gil-Salmerón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Host Community ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Major Facilitator

Abstract Mig-healthCare has identified sources in the countries and languages of the consortium providing guidance for community-based healthcare for migrants and refugees. A total of 54 sources that refer to best practices in seven European countries were identified. Results were categorized along with the themes: organization, communication, training, education and facilities & services. Successful organizational measures were a close collaboration with different governmental authorities, NGOs, community organizations and various local service providers. Moreover, engagement with members from both the host community and the migrant/refugee community in the design and implementation phases is essential. The need to track all activities through data collection and periodic evaluations is important in order to evaluate the effectiveness of systems. Funding was mentioned as important to secure continuity of projects and systems. Bridging communication barriers is a major facilitator to reduce health disparities. Differences in the types of practices and challenges per country were noted. Translators and cultural mediators are a key element in successful implementation, but across EU there is a need for more specialized staff to face the cultural barriers of the large variation in refugee/migrant backgrounds. The empowerment of migrants/refugees in promoting well-being through the engagement of the host community to help reduce stigma and discrimination is a successful strategy facilitating the access to care due to the increase of their health literacy skills. Finally, tailored services to give an answer to the specific needs of migrants and refugees are important, for example at first reception centres, standard medical screening and psychosocial risk assessment was recommended. Through this analysis, we can distinguish community-based care models elements facilitating the access of migrants and refugees to healthcare.

Satisfaction and Sense of Well Being Among Medicaid ICF/MR and HCBS Recipients in Six States

2009 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger J. Stancliffe ◽  
K. Charlie Lakin ◽  
Sarah Taub ◽  
Giuseppina Chiri ◽  
Soo-yong Byun
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intermediate Care ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Services ◽  
Day Program ◽  
At Home

Abstract Self-reported satisfaction and sense of well-being were assessed in a sample of 1,885 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/MR) services in 6 states. Questions dealt with such topics as loneliness, feeling afraid at home and in one's neighborhood, feeling happy, feeling that staff are nice and polite, and liking one's home and work/day program. Loneliness was the most widespread problem, and there were also small percentages of people who reported negative views in other areas. Few differences were evident by HCBS and ICF/MR status. The findings document consistent benefits of residential support provided in very small settings—with choices of where and with whom to live—and to individuals living with family.

scholarly journals Family Caregivers’ Experiences and Changes in Caregiving Tasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110142
Author(s):  
Elliane Irani ◽  
Atsadaporn Niyomyart ◽  
Ronald L. Hickman
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Conventional Content Analysis

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe family caregivers’ experiences and changes in caregiving tasks and approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using web-based strategies, 69 family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions were recruited and completed an online survey about positive and negative caregiving experiences, and ways in which caregiving has changed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (structured questions) and conventional content analysis (open-ended responses). Participants reported concerns about their loved one’s physical and mental health, the limited access to other caregiving sources, and the limited opportunities to maintain personal well-being. Caregiving tasks completed more than usual included providing emotional support, shopping for groceries and essentials, and contacting healthcare providers. Participants modified their caregiving approach by assuming added responsibilities, leveraging technology, and managing a new caregiving routine. Findings indicate that family caregivers experienced additional caregiving challenges and changed caregiving tasks considering the limited resources available.

scholarly journals Federal Advisory Councils Established to Assist Working Caregiving Families

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-722
Author(s):  
Ethlyn McQueen Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Advisory Councils ◽  
National Family ◽  
Effective Models

Abstract This presentation will describe the legislative charge of two advisory councils established in 2018 through the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage Family Caregivers Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act to support working family caregivers. The advisory councils are charged with 1) providing recommendations on effective models of family caregiving 2) improving coordination across federal government programs; and 3) identifying, coordinating, and promoting information, resources, and 4) best practices for working grandparents raising grandchildren, while maintaining their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The experiences of working family caregivers will be the foundation for these recommendations that are being developed over the next two years to present to Congress. These recommendations will support the development and execution of a national family caregiving strategy.

The REACH OUT Caregiver Support Program

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis D. Burgio ◽  
Matthew J. Wynn
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Challenging Behaviors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Caregiver Health ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Risk Areas

Our nation increasingly relies on family members or friends (i.e., informal caregivers) for needed care and support as we age. Family caregivers typically assume their caregiving role willingly and reap personal fulfilment from helping a family member, developing new skills, and strengthening family relationships. For these benefits, however, caregivers often sacrifice their own health and well-being. Depression, anxiety, poor physical health, and compromised immune function are more common among family caregivers than in adults not providing such care. The REACH OUT (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health: Offering Useful Treatments) program is a multicomponent, tailored, and flexible intervention for caregivers of people with dementia focused on the evidence-based therapeutic strategy of problem solving. This work is designed to guide clinicians through the process and provide them the necessary tools to share with caregivers with the goal of enhancing caregiver physical and mental health. Five common risk areas (home safety, caregiver health, social support, challenging behaviors, and emotional well-being) are described in the manual; and interventions are described that respect the nuances of each risk area. By beginning with an individualized risk assessment and being flexible to the needs and issues of the caregiver, the REACH OUT intervention helps clinicians identify risk areas and provide caregivers with tailored action plans to reduce risk and promote well-being.

Effect of Exercise Training on the Mental and Physical Well-Being of Caregivers for Persons Living With Chronic Illnesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayron Epps ◽  
Helen To ◽  
Tao Tony Liu ◽  
Asmita Karanjit ◽  
Gordon Warren
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Increased demands associated with caregiving may lead to deleterious physical and mental health outcomes. Caregiving has proven to have consequences that affect both physical and psychological well-being. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of exercise training on the mental and physical health of caregivers for persons living with chronic illnesses. A systematic review following the Prisma methodology was performed searching eight databases. Thirteen out of 1,632 screened studies were included for analysis. The standardized mean difference was used as the effect size (ES) and was calculated such that a positive ES indicated efficacy of exercise training for improving health. Overall, the meta-analysis yielded a statistically significant and small-to-medium ES (overall ES = 0.30; 95% confidence interval = [0.08, 0.52]; p = .007). Our analysis supports exercise training to improve the mental and physical health of family caregivers of persons living with chronic illnesses.

scholarly journals Exploring resilience and well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia exposed to mandatory social isolation by COVID-19

Dementia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 147130122110421
Author(s):  
David Sánchez-Teruel* ◽  
María Auxiliadora Robles-Bello* ◽  
Mariam Sarhani-Robles ◽  
Aziz Sarhani-Robles
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Predictive Variables ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care Systems

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the resilience of health care systems worldwide. In this regard, one group of people whose physical and mental health has been affected has been family caregivers of people with dementia. Objective This study aims to identify the variables that predict a high degree of well-being in family caregivers of people with dementia during this period of mandatory lockdown. Methods A total of 310 respondents participated in an online survey (266 women and 44 men) from various regions in Spain, aged between 20 and 73 years old (M = 46.45; SD = 15.97), and all were family members. Results The results showed that there were notable differences in all the protective variables, together with a significant strong positive relationship between well-being and resilience ( r = 0.92; p < 0.01) and with coping strategies ( r = 0.85; p < 0.01), and there were also some significant negative relationships between well-being and difficulties in emotional regulation (ρ = −.78; p < 0.01). The most predictive variables of a higher level of well-being included the type of dementia (β = 1.19; CI (95%) = 1.01-1.29; p< 0.01), living in a large house (β = 0.97; CI (95%) =. 23-0.98; p < 0.01), social support as a coping strategy (β = 1.27; CI (95%) = 1.21-1.29; p < 0.01) and mainly resilience (β = 1.34; CI (95%) = 1.30-1.37; p < 0.01). Discussion We discuss the importance of promoting higher levels of resilience through the development of protective psychosocial variables in caregivers of people with dementia exposed to situations of mandatory social isolation as a modulator of the psychosocial well-being of these family caregivers.

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