Burden Among Family Caregivers of Persons With Alzheimer's Disease in Nursing Homes

Abstract

The findings suggest that more services aimed at relieving caregiver burden after nursing home placement may be warranted, particularly so for caregivers who are older and for those who had a shorter length of involvement in direct caregiving before institutionalization.

Identifying Changeable Barriers to Family Involvement in the Nursing Home for Cognitively Impaired Residents

“…Residents were typical in terms of length of stay, age, and Medicaid funding (Bitzan & Kruzich, 1990;Dempsey & Pruchno, 1993;Ross, Carswell, & Dalziel, 2001;Tornatore & Grant, 2002;Whitlatch et al, 2001). Although MMSE scores ranged from 0 to 26, caution should be used when these results are applied to caregivers of cognitively intact NH residents, as the barriers and difficulties they face may differ.…”

Enabling self, intimacy and a sense of home in dementia

“…Clients usually perceive the transition from their home to the hospital as a 'reality shock' [1], and also their relatives can experience emotional distress about their loved one being institutionalized [29]. Involving family and friends in the care of the person with dementia, and facilitating a sense of purpose beyond the 'visit', can be of great benefit to both parties [10].…”

“…As such, the room and the engagement with the piece may provide family and friends with an avenue into involvement and care for their relative, without invading the workspace and care practices of members of staff [cf., 1,29].…”

Can Counseling and Support Reduce Burden and Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease During the Transition to Institutionalization? Results from the New York University Caregiver Intervention Study

“…9-11 Unlike earlier studies that treated institutionalization as an 'endpoint' in family caregiving, recent research has emphasized the continued involvement of relatives in care and the effects of nursing home admission (NHA) on the stress and mental health of family members. 9,[12][13][14] Whether NHA actually leads to reduced depressive symptoms and burden for caregivers is an important clinical question that has yet to be definitively answered. One early descriptive study suggested that NHA provides relief to family caregivers and reduces stressors such as feelings of exhaustion and fatigue related to care provision ("role overload"), at least temporarily.…”