scholarly journals Caregiving and COVID-19: Perspectives from a Care Coach

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 937-937
Author(s):  
Kelly Marnfeldt ◽  
Lilly Estenson ◽  
Julia Rowan ◽  
Kathleen Wilber
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Nutrition Support ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Personal Assistance ◽  
Personal Assistance Services ◽  
Telephonic Coaching

Abstract Family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults have faced unprecedented caregiving challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining the accumulated impact on family caregivers can help health and aging service providers design resources and supports that are resilient to emergency situations, and reduce negative psychological and physical consequences and risk of abuse within caregiving dyads. Data was collected as part of a pilot intervention in which “Care Coaches” provided telephonic coaching sessions to family caregivers of older adults. We examined Care Coach observations documented after coaching sessions with 24 family caregivers between March 2020 and February 2021. Two coders employed thematic analysis to generate codes and themes. The sample was 70% female, 80% were the spouse or significant other of their care receiver, the mean age was 61, and 53% were Non-Hispanic White. Themes and sub-themes included: (1) increased caregiver burden and diminished care networks due to fear of exposure to or contraction of COVID-19, (2) barriers to accessing in-home personal assistance services and home-delivered meals despite intervention efforts, and (3) the exacerbation of caregiver social isolation due to COVID-19 lockdown policies. Findings highlight the ways in which COVID-19 has amplified caregiver burden through the breakdown of formal and informal support systems. Potential adaptations of community-based services for older adults and their caregivers include remote service liaisons and need assessment of caregiver dyads to assure access to home-based personal assistance services and nutrition support for those at greatest risk of negative consequences during emergency service lapses.

scholarly journals Gentrification and Chronic Conditions in Older Adults: Service Providers’ Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 341-341
Author(s):  
Ronica Rooks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
City Government ◽  
Property Taxes ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Community Information ◽  
Social Vulnerabilities

Abstract Where we live impacts our health, but this is more apt for older adults (aged 55+) aging-in-place in their neighborhoods. Gentrification, i.e. the transformation of neighborhoods from low to high value, can put community-dwelling older adults at risk for residential displacement with limited retirement incomes and financial stressors like increased housing costs and property taxes, residential turnover and changing access to resources. As a place-based stressor, gentrification may exacerbate social vulnerabilities (e.g., lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority status) related to chronic condition (CC) disparities. But, little gentrification research focuses on these issues. This research examines associations between gentrification and older adults’ CC management related to broader social determinants in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from health and social service providers’ perspectives. Hamilton, a recovering steel industry city with in-migration from Toronto, is experiencing higher costs of living, income inequality and tension with recent gentrifiers. I conducted key informant interviews with service providers in city government and community-based organizations using thematic analysis. Across providers, food insecurity, social isolation and displacement were the biggest issues associated with gentrification and CC, particularly for older adults with lower incomes and government disability support. Results thus far reveal Hamilton has numerous older adult-focused providers, but older adults often have difficulties accessing services due to a lack of knowledge, not always asking or realizing when they need help and coordinated referral difficulties across providers. To address these challenges, providers consider environmental scans, mapping resources and advertisement in an online community information database from the city’s public library.

scholarly journals A Clinical Bridge between Family Caregivers and Older Adults: The Contribution of Patients’ Frailty and Optimism on Caregiver Burden

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3406
Author(s):  
Alberto Sardella ◽  
Vittorio Lenzo ◽  
Angela Alibrandi ◽  
Antonino Catalano ◽  
Francesco Corica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Dispositional Optimism ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Life Orientation Test ◽  
Life Orientation ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Personal Time

The association between caregiver burden and the physical frailty of older adults has been the object of previous studies. The contribution of patients’ dispositional optimism on caregiver burden is a poorly investigated topic. The present study aimed at investigating whether older adults’ multidimensional frailty and optimism might contribute to the burden of their family caregivers. The Caregiver Burden Inventory was used to measure the care-related burden of caregivers. The multidimensional frailty status of each patient was evaluated by calculating a frailty index, and the revised Life Orientation Test was used to evaluate patients’ dispositional optimism. The study involved eighty family caregivers (mean age 64.28 ± 8.6) and eighty older patients (mean age 80.45 ± 7.13). Our results showed that higher frailty status and lower levels of optimism among patients were significantly associated with higher levels of overall burden and higher burden related to the restriction of personal time among caregivers. Patients’ frailty was additionally associated with caregivers’ greater feelings of failure, physical stress, role conflicts, and embarrassment. Understanding the close connection between patient-related factors and the burden of caregivers appears to be an actual challenge with significant clinical, social, and public health implications.

Experience of family caregivers of community-dwelling stroke survivors and risk of elder abuse: a qualitative study

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 276-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia Chow ◽  
Agnes Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Personal Resilience

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second, what services help or do not help the caregivers in managing their caregiving role? Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative study was conducted with a total of six focus group interviews with 29 stroke caregivers selected using convenience sampling in a local community centre. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis. Findings – The results pointed to three main themes working together to facilitate desirable outcomes in caregiving and prevent elder abuse: factors contributing to caregiver stress and factors that have a buffering effect on caregiver stress and unmet needs identified from caregivers’ experiences. Research limitations/implications – The authors found that there were a number of factors contributing to caregiver stress. The findings matched with the concept that caregiver stress should not be considered as the primary cause of elder abuse. Findings provided information for further research to investigate positive coping and adjustment for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families. Practical implications – Policy makers and service providers may consider specific policies and tailor-made services to enhance the effectiveness of current practice. The themes emerging from the study could be further reviewed in a longitudinal way to explore the cost-effectiveness, the outcomes and trajectory of interventional programmes. Social implications – Education would be essential to let the public understand caregivers’ difficulties and needs. Prevention of elder abuse may be approached with a range of risk factors for both perpetrating and being elder abuse victim. Originality/value – From the findings of the study, the authors found that there were service gaps within policy and interventions. Concrete suggestions for improving the public's attitude and public facilities/transport for the disabled were captured in the study. In addition to personal resilience, caregivers had a strong wish for a supportive environment and services that would facilitate a better caregiving outcome.

The Patterns of Caregiving Activities for Family Caregivers of Older Adults in Hong Kong: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Huang ◽  
Pui Hing Chau ◽  
Edmond Pui Hang Choi ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Vivian W Q Lou
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
High Demand

Abstract Objectives This study identified the classes (i.e., patterns) of caregivers’ activities, based on their engagements in caregiving activities, and explored the characteristics and the caregiver burden of these classes. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey on the profiles of family caregivers of older adults in Hong Kong. A latent class analysis approach was adopted to classify family caregivers (N = 932) according to their routine involvements in 17 daily caregiving activities: 6 activities of daily living (ADLs) and 8 instrumental activities of daily living activities (IADLs) in addition to emotional support, decision making, and financial support. Multinomial logistic regression and multiple linear regression illuminated the characteristics of the classes and compared their levels of caregiver burden. Results The family caregivers fell into 5 classes: All-Round Care (High Demand, 19.5%), All-Round Care (Moderate Demand, 8.2%), Predominant IADLs Care (High Demand, 23.8%), Predominant IADLs Care (Moderate Demand, 32.5%), and Minimal ADLs and IADLs Care (Low Demand, 16.0%). These classes exhibited different characteristics in terms of care recipients’ cognitive statuses and caregiver backgrounds. The levels of caregiver burden differed across classes; the All-Round Care (High Demand) class experienced the highest levels of caregiver burden. Discussion This study contributes to existing scholarship by turning away from a predefined category of care tasks to explore the patterns of caregiving activities. By identifying caregiving activity patterns and understanding their associated characteristics and caregiver burden, prioritizing and targeting caregiver support interventions better is possible.

scholarly journals Impact of iN2L Tablets on Loneliness and Well-Being: Findings of an Innovative Industry-AAA Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 949-950
Author(s):  
Lydia Nguyen ◽  
Karen O'Hern ◽  
Adam Siak ◽  
Kristi Stoglin ◽  
Charlotte Mather-Tayor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
Adult Day Centers

Abstract Area Agency on Aging (AAA) senior and adult day centers closed due to COVID-19, causing many older adults to lose an important source of connection and engagement, leading to social isolation. To combat negative consequences, iN2L and a Florida AAA partnered on an innovative program providing iN2L tablets to AAA-supported older adults to use at home. The tablets have a simple interface, content specifically designed for older adults (e.g., games; music; movies), and video call capability. Participants included 51 independent older adults (mean age 77) and 39 family caregivers (mean age 59) of people with dementia. Participants completed phone surveys with AAA case managers at baseline and 3 months, including UCLA Loneliness Scale (3 item) and questions about their tablet experiences. Findings show positive trends for loneliness and well-being in both groups. At 3 months, lonely participants decreased from baseline by 25% for independent older adults and 18% for family caregivers. Over 80% of independent older adults agreed the tablet engages them in meaningful activities, provides daily enjoyment, and helps with relaxation. For family caregivers, 79% agreed the tablet is another tool in their caregiver toolkit and about 70% agreed the tablet adds daily enjoyment, helps with relaxation, and provides engagement in meaningful activities for their family member. Approximately 50% of caregivers felt happier, less stressed, and less irritable since using the tablets. This work has implications for the utility of technology in promoting engagement and connection, alleviating negative effects of social isolation, and the effectiveness of industry-AAA partnerships.

scholarly journals ADULT DAY SERVICES IN A RURAL REGION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S154-S155
Author(s):  
Sandra S Butler ◽  
Jennifer Crittenden ◽  
Dyan Walsh ◽  
Lenard Kaye
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Adult Day Services ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Day Services ◽  
Intergenerational Programming

Abstract Adult day services (ADS) programs provide stimulation and socialization for older adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, and much needed respite for family caregivers. Like many services for older adults, ADS programs are far less available in rural regions of the country than in more urban settings. This paper reports on a needs assessment for an ADS program in a small city, which serves as a health and human services hub for a large rural area; a particular focus of the study was to assess the feasibility and interest in intergenerational programming. Family caregivers were surveyed (n = 84) about their use and knowledge of and interest in ADS. Less than one in five respondents were using or had ever used ADS. Cost (20%) and ignorance of such programs (20%) were primary reasons for not using ADS; reduction of stress was the most frequently cited reason for using ADS (73%). Ten in-person interviews were conducted with ADS program directors and service providers who refer clients to ADS. Funding issues emerged as the key challenge given lack of private insurance coverage and poor reimbursement levels from public insurance programs. Challenges around transportation, stigma, and marketing of services also surfaced in the interviews. Nonetheless, all ten informants spoke of the positive impact of ADS for both consumers and their caregivers, and generally endorsed intergenerational activities, though with caveats. Implications will be discussed, including the need for greater financial support for this valuable aspect of our long-term supports and services system.

scholarly journals FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ ADVANCE CARE PLANNING FOR COGNITIVELY IMPAIRED OLDER ADULTS: SERVICE PROVIDERS’ PERSPECTIVES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S237-S237
Author(s):  
Hyunjin Noh ◽  
Temilade A Aladeokin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Surrogate Decision

Abstract An increasing number of family caregivers face challenges of advance care planning (ACP) for their cognitively impaired older adults. The purpose of this study was to understand service providers’ views of ACP knowledge and needs among such family caregivers. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 service providers who serve older adults and their family caregivers in community settings of West Alabama. Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted guided by a semi-structured questionnaire, asking about their experiences with and views of family caregivers’ ACP for their older adults. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed several findings: family caregivers’ lack of knowledge about ACP and end-of-life care, discomfort in end-of-life discussions, uncertainty about their older adult’s end-of-life preferences, frustration with the surrogate decision-making role, family conflicts in ACP process, and logistical barriers to access ACP resources. Tailored services should be developed to address these barriers to promote ACP among this population.

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