This study explored the use of case-managed services for dementia patients and their families. Forty-six primary caregivers, recruited from five case-managed programs and from independent sources, participated in a structured interview. The findings suggest ways in which case-managed services might be structured more effectively for caregivers to dementia patients. Specifically, families seek greater flexibility and increased family input into the service package. Further, caregivers emphasize the need for more information about service eligibility and availability, and the importance of finding a sympathetic person within the system.
Caregivers for dependent elders have been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. This first wave of research demonstrates that caregiving is demanding and may be expensive to the caregiver socially, psychologically, physically, and financially. This article reviews the caregiving literature and focuses on current limitations and future directions for study in two areas: sampling and research design. Specifically suggested are ways to refine sampling procedures and to more carefully define what a caregiver is. In the design of caregiving studies, both group and individual differences offer insight into the impact of caregiving. In addition, dyadic measurement of the caregiver, the elder, and the family are suggested. Finally, in examining a progressive phenomenon such as Alzheimer's disease or memory loss, longitudinal designs are necessary and timely.
The goal of this research was to examine the relationship of family social support and social conflict to stressors and depression. Fifty-seven caregiving women were interviewed regarding caregiving stressors, social support, and social conflict. Three dimensions of social support and social conflict were assessed: instrumental, informational, and affective. The findings supported the importance of distinguishing between social support and social conflict, and among the three dimensions of support and conflict. Respondents reported higher levels of support than of conflict, but consistent with earlier research, social support was not related as strongly to outcomes as social conflict was. Although instrumental support was related significantly to depression, informational and emotional support was not. Social conflict, however, was significantly related to depression. Both emotional conflict and informational conflict were significant predictors of depression. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed.
The future service needs of baby boomers are unclear. A survey addressing work/retirement, family, civic engagement, health, caregiving, leisure, and perceptions of senior services was mailed to 800 addresses randomly selected from a upper Midwestern county voter registration list. The response rate was 28%. Fifty-three percent of the respondents (N = 225) intended to work and increase civic engagement. They expected more time for hobbies and friends, and to travel more. Family will continue to be their highest priority. These findings will be useful to service providers who are invested in providing services that are attractive to boomers.
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