This cross-sectional study assessed the experiences of family caregivers of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited ( n = 101) between April and December 2019. We applied a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test and logistic regression analysis, and qualitative experiences with modified thematic content analysis. The mean age of the family caregivers was 76 years ( SD = 7), and 72% were females. Experiences of loneliness and worry during the pandemic were evaluated by self-assessment. Approximately one-third of the participants reported loneliness and worry. These experiences were further associated with female sex, increased psychological distress and depressive symptoms, and decreased physical condition and social relationships. Family caregivers were also worried about the pandemic’s impact on health and well-being. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has added an extra psychosocial load to family caregivers. The post-pandemic era requires increased attention to re-evaluating policies and services.
The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional status, determinants of nutritional status, and adequacy of energy and nutrient intake of older family caregivers (FC). Nutritional status was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), plasma albumin, plasma pre-albumin, and blood hemoglobin concentrations. Dietary intake was assessed with a three-day food record. Comorbidity (B −0.283, 95% CI: −0.492, −0.073), quality of life (B 0.045, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.072) and energy intake (B 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.002) were significantly associated with the MNA scores of the older FCs (n = 125). It was common for FCs to have lower than recommended intakes of energy and several nutrients, independent of the risk of malnutrition assessed by the MNA. Over half of the FCs had inadequate intake of protein, vitamin A, folate, and fiber, and 25–40% of the FCs had a low intake of vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, iron, and selenium. It is important to follow both the nutritional status and dietary intake of older FCs regularly to find those with lower than recommended nutrient intake and to avoid poor nutritional status and its adverse effects hampering their ability to serve as FCs.
Purpose Older family caregivers (FCs) are vulnerable to insufficient dietary intake and risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of individually tailored nutritional guidance on the dietary intake and nutritional status of older FCs and their care recipients’ (CRs’) nutritional status. Methods This study was a randomized controlled 6-month nutrition intervention in Eastern Finland. The inclusion criteria for FCs were having a home-living CR aged 65 or above and a valid care allowance. The exclusion criterion was CR receiving end-of-life care at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (FCs n = 63, CRs n = 59) and a control (FCs n = 50, CRs n = 48) group. Individually tailored nutritional guidance targeted to FCs was given to an intervention group by a clinical nutritionist. The main outcomes were dietary intake (3-day food record). Results After the 6-month intervention, 63 FCs and 59 CRs in the intervention group and 50 FCs and 48 CRs in the control group were analyzed. In the intervention group of FCs, the intakes of protein, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine differed significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, the intake of vitamin D supplementation improved in the intervention group of the FCs and CRs (p < 0.001). Conclusion Individually tailored nutrition guidance improves the intake levels of crucial nutrients, such as the intake levels of protein, vitamin D, and calcium of the FCs. Further studies are warranted to optimize the methods to improve the nutrition of FCs. Registration number of Clinical Trials: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04003493 (1 July 2019).
Aim This integrative review aimed to describe the perceptions of the quality of care of older patients (aged 65 and above) living with cancer in acute‐care settings. Methods We identified relevant research suitable for inclusion criteria through systematic searches of the PubMed®, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier®, Scopus® and Web of Science® databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) framework and the Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis (SWiM) guidelines were used to conduct the research and report the results. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the modified Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) checklist. Results A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis revealed that care quality could be described through three distinct themes: individuality, a sense of security and respectful encounters. Conclusion The perceptions of older people living with cancer regarding the quality of acute care have not been extensively covered in the literature. Health‐ and age‐related challenges, patients' overall life situation, clear, realistic information about care and the future and respect during encounters should be given attention. Implications for practice Patient‐centred and tailored care, considering the heterogeneity of the population and support for independence, is needed.
Background: Although the academic literature has focused on family caregivers' health outcomes, little is known about the social and environmental determinants of health and the extent to which they relate to health disparities among family caregivers caring for older adults.Objectives: The purpose of the study was to describe the prevalence of diseases and the association with social and environmental determinants of health among family caregivers caring for older adults in Finland.Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted. The study participants were interviewed on sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Independent-samples t-test, analysis of variance, and chi-square analyses were used to assess the social and environmental factors' association with health outcomes.Results: A total of 126 family caregivers participated in this study. The mean age of study participants was 74.4 years, and most were female, married, and from an urban area. Family caregivers' older age and lower financial satisfaction were the main factors associated with the health inequalities. Older age was associated with age-related eye disorders, hearing impairment, coronary heart disease, and comorbidity. Family caregivers' lower financial satisfaction was associated with diabetes, depression, and higher body mass index. Other factors linked to health disparities were family caregivers' gender, educational attainment, and the municipality of living.Discussion: This study provides evidence about family caregivers' social and environmental determinants of health. To enhance health equity, nurse-led interventions, a life course approach, and intersectional actions are required.
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