scholarly journals THE BUDDY PROGRAM: IMPACT ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND FAMILY CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S410-S411
Author(s):  
Darby Morhardt ◽  
Mary Mittelman ◽  
Ann Burgunder ◽  
Thea Micoli
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Family Support Program ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Psychosocial interventions have the potential to offer substantial benefit to people with dementia and their family caregivers. The Buddy Program is an experiential learning program that pairs students with persons with dementia for activities and relationship-building. Previous studies have demonstrated the program’s positive impact on student knowledge and attitudes. New York University’s (NYU) Alzheimer’s Family Support Program began replicating the Buddy Program in 2017 and has enrolled 80 students. Northwestern University’s (NU) Buddy Program, in its 22nd year, has enrolled 260. This presentation describes the impact of the program on the mentors (NU) and the caregivers (NYU). Post program focus groups with mentors and student journals describing interactions with the caregiver were thematically analyzed. Mentors describe feelings of pride in the mentorship role, enjoyment being with student, and the opportunity to develop a new friendship. Caregivers enjoyed the respite provided by the buddies, knowing that their relatives with dementia were enjoying themselves and seeing their relatives with dementia in the role of valued companion. Qualitative data from caregivers and mentors participating in the buddy programs at NU and NYU underscore the possibility that people with dementia can still make contributions to society. The buddy program has a positive impact on quality of life for persons living with dementia and their family members, while providing a valuable educational experience for students. Further research on the buddy program’s benefits is warranted.

A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF HOME-BASED PRIMARY CARE ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
E. Wool ◽  
J.L. Shotwell ◽  
J. Slaboda ◽  
A. Kozikowski ◽  
K.L. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
New York ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Home Based Primary Care ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Impact

Background: Home-based primary care (HBPC) provides team-based clinical care for homebound patients who have difficulty accessing typical outpatient care. Interdisciplinary team members also provide social and emotional support and serve as a resource for family caregivers, who often experience significant emotional stress. Objectives: This qualitative study explores the impact of HBPC on family caregivers to identify aspects of the program that caregivers find most helpful and meaningful as well as areas for improvement. Design: Semi structured recorded interviews were conducted with family caregivers of frail, elderly homebound patients. Interviews included the following topics: overall program satisfaction and suggestions for improvement. Setting: A HBPC program serving patients in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York. Participants: Nineteen family caregivers: 13 women, 6 men; 10 were adult children; 6 were spouses, and 3 were other family members of patients in a HBPC program. Measurements: Thematic coding of all recorded transcribed interviews was prepared by 3 qualitative coders. Interrater reliability was conducted to ensure reliability across coders before themes were disseminated and discussed until consensus was achieved with the larger group of investigators. Results: Three main themes were identified: the importance of staff emotional support; the burden of caring for homebound patients; and the need for a broader range of home-based services. Multiple family members noted that the program not only had saved their loved one’s life, but had also metaphorically saved their own. Conclusions: Family caregivers value the communication and accessibility of HBPC and report that the program has a positive impact on their stress and mental health. Results can inform key aspects that need to be retained or enhanced with the expansion in HBPC 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.

scholarly journals Quality of Care Provided by Family Caregivers of Older People With Dementia: Measurement and Interpretations

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 152-152
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Primary Reason ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Family caregivers of older people living with dementia are relatives, friends, or neighbors who provide assistance related to this condition, but who are unpaid for the services they provide. Although caregiving could be personally rewarding, many caregivers report a high level of strain. Compared to caregivers of older adults who do not have dementia, family caregivers of older people living with dementia report lower quality-of-life (QoL). In a published systematic review examining the relationship between family caregiver QoL and the quality of care provided, only one study was found to be somewhat relevant. The study suggested that the primary reason for an absence of research into the link between family caregiver QoL and quality of care was the absence of a questionnaire for measuring quality of care in dementia. Therefore, any attempt to investigate the impact of caregiver QoL on the care provided to older people with dementia must first address the lack of an instrument to measure quality of care. To address this issue, we interviewed approximately 20 family caregivers in order to elicit feedback on measurements and interpretation of the quality of care provided by family caregivers of older people living with dementia. Content analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that the quality of relationships with family, caregiver availability to provide or supervise care, and availability of paid or volunteer help are important for the quality of care provided. These results have important implications, particularly for the development of an instrument to measure quality of care in dementia.

scholarly journals National dementia supporter programme in Japan

Dementia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 147130122096757
Author(s):  
Yoko Aihara ◽  
Kiyoshi Maeda
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Due to the growing number of people with dementia worldwide, the role of dementia supporters is becoming increasingly important. In 2005, a national campaign called the Dementia Supporter Caravan was launched in Japan. However, the impact these trainings have on facilitating the work of dementia supporters is not quite understood. This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by dementia supporters in conducting activities for people with dementia. Our results showed that even after a period of six months since the training session, only half of the supporters had commenced new support activities. Future studies should examine the impact activities conducted by dementia supporters have on people with dementia and their family caregivers.

The impact of motivations and meanings on the wellbeing of caregivers of people with dementia: a systematic review

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Quinn ◽  
Linda Clare ◽  
Robert T Woods
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Dementia Caregiving ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Kin Relationship ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground: The majority of people in the early and middle stages of dementia are cared for at home by non-paid caregivers, the majority of whom will be family members. Two factors which could have an impact on the quality of care provided to the care-recipient are the caregiver's motivations for providing care and the meaning s/he finds in caregiving. The aim of this review is to explore the potential impact of both meaning and motivation on the wellbeing of caregivers of people with dementia. The review also explores individual differences in motivations to provide care.Methods: This was a systematic review of peer-reviewed empirical studies exploring motivations and meanings in informal caregivers of people with dementia. Four studies were identified which examined the caregiver's motivations to provide care. Six studies were identified which examined the meaning that caregivers found in dementia caregiving.Results: Caregivers' wellbeing could be influenced by the nature of their motivations to care. In addition, cultural norms and caregivers’ kin-relationship to the care-recipient impacted on motivations to provide care. Finding meaning had a positive impact on caregiver wellbeing.Conclusions: The limited evidence currently available indicates that both the caregiver's motivations to provide care and the meaning s/he finds in caregiving can have implications for the caregiver's wellbeing. More research is needed to explore the role of motivations and meaning in dementia caregiving.

scholarly journals The Effect of You Can Do It! Education in Six Schools on Student Perceptions of Well-Being, Teaching-Learning and Relationships

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Professor Michael Edwin Bernard ◽  
Kate Walton
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
School Year ◽  
It Education ◽  
The Impact

This research investigated the impact of a social and emotional learning program, You Can Do It! Education (YCDI), on different aspects of student social and emotional wellbeing. YCDI was implemented on a whole-school basis in six primary schools with six matched schools serving as controls. At the end of the school year, students in grade 5 in both types of schools completed the Attitudes to School Survey (Victorian Department of Education) and, again, at the end of the following school year when they were in grade 6. Results indicated significant improvements over time on different aspects of student well-being in the YCDI schools and not in the non-YCDI schools. The positive impact of a train-the-trainer model used in this study in a variety of schools under naturally occurring conditions holds promise for low-cost, preventive mental health programs.

Psychosocial Interventions for Family Carers of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1198-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Áine Teahan ◽  
Attracta Lafferty ◽  
Eilish McAuliffe ◽  
Amanda Phelan ◽  
Liam O’Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Study Designs

Objective:This study aimed to review and synthesize findings of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions aimed at improving outcomes for family carers of people with dementia. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We systematically searched the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycInfo, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA). RevMan 5 software was used to conduct meta-analysis and subgroup analysis using a random-effects model. Results: The search yielded 22 high-quality intervention articles that were suitable for further meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that psychosocial interventions have a small to moderate significant effect on carer burden (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.34, confidence interval [CI] = [−0.59, −0.09]), depression (SMD = −0.36, CI = [−0.60, −0.13]), and general health (SMD = 0.34, CI = [0.18, 0.51]). Discussion: Psychosocial interventions had a positive impact on carer outcomes; however, these results should be interpreted with caution, given the significant level of heterogeneity in study designs. Future research could examine contextual and implementation mechanisms underlying psychosocial interventions to develop effective support systems for family carers of people with dementia.

scholarly journals Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna E. Prophater ◽  
Sam Fazio ◽  
Lydia T. Nguyen ◽  
Gizem Hueluer ◽  
Lindsay J. Peterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families. Different phases also included Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support for family caregivers, evidence-based online professional dementia care staff training and certification, and Virtual Forums designed to explore ways to build sustainable, scalable models to ensure access to support and decrease social isolation in the future. Tablet usage was collected over an 11-month period and an interim survey was designed to assess the effectiveness of the tablets, in preventing social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 105 care community staff (whose community used the tablets) completed the survey and overall, these staff showed a high level of agreement to statements indicating that residents struggled with loneliness and mood, and that the tablet was useful in improving loneliness and mood in residents and allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends. Additional positive results were seen through a variety of other responses around the tablets and Project ECHO. Overall, the tablets were shown to be an effective way to engage residents and connect them with friends and family, as well as being a useful tool for staff members. A third phase is currently underway in the homes of people with dementia and their family caregivers, which includes tablets and direct access to Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support programs.

“In the flesh”: Narratives of family caregivers at risk of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1474-1491
Author(s):  
Maritza García-Toro ◽  
María Cruz Sánchez-Gómez ◽  
Lucía Madrigal Zapata ◽  
Francisco Javier Lopera
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Familial Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Familial Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
The Impact

In the growing body of literature dealing with the consequences of family caregiving amongst people with dementia, there are few studies examining the impact of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease on caregivers. This study exposes the subjective experience of a group of family caregivers who themselves possess a genetic susceptibility to develop this form of dementia. We interviewed and analyzed the accounts of 27 caregivers belonging to family lineages carrying the E280A mutation for Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. We utilized a phenomenological method to analyze these accounts, initially tracking seven theoretical categories (Anxiety, Depression, Burden, Resilience, Self-efficacy, Social Support, and Coping Strategies) and then subsequently two additional categories which emerged (Conceptions about the Disease and Other Vital Experiences Interfering with Caregiving). The results show that caring for a loved one while simultaneously running the risk of developing the same form of Alzheimer’s Disease permeates the caregivers’ experience both in a negative and a positive way. The continuous exposition to emotional stress in these caregivers should be seriously considered as they may be at risk of accelerating the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, while simultaneously, early psychological symptoms of dementia may be masked by the emotional sequelae of caregiving, interfering with early diagnosis. Certainly, support services for the entire family group are suggested.

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