scholarly journals Patterns of use of time by family caregivers of elderly persons with dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elcyana Bezerra Carvalho ◽  
Anita Liberalesso Neri
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Cognitive Disability ◽  
Subjective Burden ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Objectives: to describe patterns of use of time in family caregivers of elderly people with dementia, considering the characteristics of the caregivers, the care recipients and the context. Method: Fifty family caregivers of elderly people with intermediate and high levels of physical and cognitive disability participated in an interview about time spent on obligatory care activities over four periods of six hours during a 24-hour period. In addition, a questionnaire about social activities, scales of physical and cognitive functionality of the elderly and an inventory of burden in the family caregivers were applied. Results: 88.0% of the caregivers were women, with a mean age of 57.9 (±11.2) years; 45.92% of the time of the caregivers was used in care activities, 36.92% in discretionary activities, 31.17% in recuperation, and 25.67% in the obligatory activities of the life of the caregiver. The greater the dependence, the longer the care, the less time for self-care and greater the caregivers’ subjective burden. Conclusion: The level of dependence of elderly persons affected by dementia results in an increase in caregiving time and competes with other activities performed by the caregiver. Reorganization of the use of time by family caregivers and provision of formal support can reduce the caregiving burden and benefit the well-being of caregivers.

scholarly journals Difficulties encountered in care for elderly persons with dementia: coping based on participatory research

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-43
Author(s):  
Barbara Martins Corrêa da Silva ◽  
Célia Pereira Caldas ◽  
Helena Maria Shchelowski Leal David ◽  
Michel Jean Marie Thiollent
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Care For The Elderly ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Objective: to analyze the proposal of an action plan created by nurses to deal with difficulties in caring for the elderly. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze the difficulties that family caregivers find in relation to access to services, material resources and the support network when meeting the care needs of the elderly in accordance with Brazilian public policy. Method: the methodology of participatory research and content analysis proposed by Bardin was used. The context was the Geriatric service of a university hospital. The group of co-researchers included eight nurses and 12 caregivers of elderly people with dementia. Results: the following categories emerged from the analysis: contradictions and work proposals. The contradictions category revealed reflections about the difference between the proposed care for the elderly and the reality of a lack of care and the precarious conditions of health services. This situation leads to overburdening of caregivers. The work proposals refer to the strategies used by nurses to establish a relationship of support to family caregivers to cope with the difficulties involved in care for the elderly. Conclusion: nurses recognize that they are professionals capable of receiving, listening to and managing the needs of family caregivers of the elderly, thus promoting the health of the elderly and the caregivers themselves, preparing the family of the patient for home care and coping with difficulties experienced in elderly care.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic profile and quality of life of caregivers of elderly people with dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Santos de Queiroz ◽  
Alessandra Conceição Leite Funchal Camacho ◽  
Jonas Lírio Gurgel ◽  
Cíntia Raquel da Costa de Assis ◽  
Lucimere Maria dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Sociodemographic Profile

Abstract Objective: To analyze the association between sociodemographic profile, health profile and the quality of life of caregivers of elderly people diagnosed with dementia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a geriatric outpatient unit with 35 elderly caregivers diagnosed with dementia. A socio-demographic and health characterization form was used as well as the WHOQOL-bref scale. To verify the association of the variables, the Spearman or Pearson correlation tests were applied, according to the normality of the data. Results: A moderate association between caregiver age and quality of life was found, as well as between total time of care and quality of life, which reveals that the care provided to the elderly with dementia has repercussions on the quality of life. The domains of the WHOQOL-bref with the highest means were Social and Physical Relations, and those with lower mean values were Psychological and Environmental. Conclusion: The identification of conditions that influence the quality of life of caregivers of elderly people with dementia allows actions to promote, protect and recover the health and well-being of those who provide care to be established, so that this care is both for themselves and for the elderly.

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.

Mourning and Reminiscence: Parallel Psychotherapeutic Processes for Elderly People

1989 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda L. Viney ◽  
Yvonne N. Benjamin ◽  
Carol Preston
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Theoretical Explanation ◽  
Personal Construct ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Personal Construct Theory ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Processes ◽  
Construct Theory ◽  
The Relationship

Mourning and reminiscence are therapeutic processes common in therapeutic work with the elderly. However, a theoretical explanation of why they are effective has been lacking. Personal construct theory accounts for both in terms of the search of elderly persons for validation of their construct systems. In this article, this explanation of the parallel psychotherapeutic processes is explored, together with relevant information from the literature on mourning and reminiscence. Therapeutic case studies illustrate the characteristics of the two processes and the relationship between them.

scholarly journals An investigative study of the experiences of elderly people in a South African black township

2002 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Chigali ◽  
M. Marais ◽  
R. M. B. Mpofu
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
African Black ◽  
Loss Of Dignity

The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences which impact on aspects of the lives and sense of well-being of elderly people in a township in South Africa in order to make recommendations for future service delivery. A cross- sectional, qualitative survey was carried out in Mfuleni Township, a part of the Cape Metropolitan Region in the Western Cape.  Sixteen people of ages ranging from 60-82 years were conveniently selected from a group of elderly people who meet regularly at a community centre. Data were collected through focused  group discussions and unstructured interviews. Analysis of data revealed three main categories namely, psychological/ emotional, socio-economic and health, under which different themes emerged. The experiences of individuals in a given society may vary, but somehow, their basic rights tend to be universal as revealed by the literature. Loneliness and isolation, lack of recreation facilities, loss of dignity and respect, poor health services and lack of shelter are some of the experiences expressed by the elderly people in this sample. These experiences highlight the need for clearly stated policies andcommitment by governmental and non-governmental structures, appropriate health service strategies and improved socio-economic standards supported by properly researched data.

scholarly journals The inclusion of elderly persons from the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS) in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, in the digital age: physio-gerontological contributions

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Carvalho ◽  
Rodrigo Caetano Arantes ◽  
Angélica Sartori Rossi Cintra
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
At Home

abstract Introduction: The evolution of information technologies has become part of our daily life and directly or indirectly affects the elderly population. The presence of these technologies, such as mobile phones, smartphones, computers, and tablets, at home where elderly persons live with their families demonstrates the necessity of including the elderly population in the technological universe. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the benefits obtained by the elderly from using such Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the effect of such use on their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and which physio-gerontological contributions resulted in the best use of the ICTs. Method: A convenience sample (n=30) was performed of individuals aged over 60 years who were students at the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS). Demographic and social data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were considered. The data was collected between April and May 2014. Results: The average age was 67.9 years with a predominance of women (76.7%). Among the respondents 83.3% used a computer at home; 66.6% had some kind of difficulty in using computers; and 86.6% used ICTs in their daily lives. Despite the difficulties in using the devices resulting from the limitations imposed by age, it was observed that the equality of the age range encouraged interaction with friends and family, and as a result 100% of respondents displayed excellent interpersonal relationships with the class group. It was also observed that the elderly persons had a great desire to learn and interact through the use of technological devices, and that females were involved in recreational and educational activities, with wives encouraging their husbands to attend the computer class. However, there were exemplary risks of the misuse of these devices, such as poor posture when handling electronic devices or spending long spells in unsuitable positions, demonstrating the need for physical therapy and geriatric guidelines to ensure the well-being of the elderly. Conclusion: The inclusion of elderly persons in the IHESS or in any other educational activity should consider the familiar environment in which they live as well as providing professional support in physiotherapeutic and gerontologic areas in order to assure well-being and quality of life, especially at this stage of life, senescence.

scholarly journals Nutrition and Healthy Aging: Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4337
Author(s):  
Neri Maria Cristina ◽  
d’Alba Lucia
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
The Body ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Effective Prevention

Nutritional well-being is a fundamental aspect for the health, autonomy and, therefore, the quality of life of all people, but especially of the elderly. It is estimated that at least half of non-institutionalized elderly people need nutritional intervention to improve their health and that 85% have one or more chronic diseases that could improve with correct nutrition. Although prevalence estimates are highly variable, depending on the population considered and the tool used for its assessment, malnutrition in the elderly has been reported up to 50%. Older patients are particularly at risk of malnutrition, due to multiple etiopathogenetic factors which can lead to a reduction or utilization in the intake of nutrients, a progressive loss of functional autonomy with dependence on food, and psychological problems related to economic or social isolation, e.g., linked to poverty or loneliness. Changes in the aging gut involve the mechanical disintegration of food, gastrointestinal motor function, food transit, intestinal wall function, and chemical digestion of food. These alterations progressively lead to the reduced ability to supply the body with adequate levels of nutrients, with the consequent development of malnutrition. Furthermore, studies have shown that the quality of life is impaired both in gastrointestinal diseases, but especially in malnutrition. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of malnutrition in elderly people is necessary to promote the knowledge of age-related changes in appetite, food intake, homeostasis, and body composition in order to better develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to achieve healthy aging.

Experiences of Family Caregivers of People with Dementia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110557
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Harris ◽  
Marita G. Titler
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Comparative Methods ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Effective Care ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms

Although behavioral and psychological symptoms are burdensome for people with dementia and their caregivers, perceptions of family caregivers regarding management of these symptoms are unclear. This study explored the experiences of family caregivers regarding behavioral and psychological symptoms experienced by relatives with dementia, management of these symptoms, and changes in their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative, exploratory approach using constant comparative methods was used; 21 family caregivers were interviewed virtually. The following 10 major themes emerged: (1) Emotional and psychological experiences of caregiver, (2) emotional, psychological, and behavioral responses of person with dementia, (3) cognition of person with dementia, (4) loss, (5) concerns for the future, (6) reliance, (7) learning to caregive, (8) rewarding aspects of caregiving, (9) caregiver perspectives, and (10) care strategies. Caregivers described many challenges to care before and during the pandemic. Acceptable and effective care strategies are needed to promote the well-being of families living with dementia.

Using a Smartphone as a Track and Fall Detector

2015 ◽  
pp. 272-295
Author(s):  
Chia-Yin Ko ◽  
Fang-Yie Leu ◽  
I-Tsen Lin
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Fall Detection ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Individual ◽  
Communication Services ◽  
People With Dementia

This chapter proposes a smartphone-based system for both indoor and outdoor monitoring of people with dementia. The whole system comprises wandering detection, safety-zone monitoring, fall detection, communication services, alert notifications, and emergency medical services. To effectively track the elderly, the proposed system uses a smartphone camera to take real-time pictures along the user's path as he or she moves about. Those photos, accompanied with time and GPS signals, are delivered to and stored on the Cloud system. When necessary, family caregivers can download those data to quickly find a way to help the elderly individual. Additionally, this study uses tri-axial accelerometers to examine falls. To assure individuals' data is safeguarded appropriately, an RSA method has been adopted by the system to encrypt stored data. This reliable and minimally intrusive system provides people with dementia with an opportunity to maintain their social networks and to improve their quality of lives.

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