Counselling carers of the elderly at home: A preliminary study

Abstract

A comparative study of two different methods of counselling for informal carers of elderly people with dementia was carried out in their own homes over an 18-week period. Carers were randomly allocated to short-term emotional support, information-provision or no-treatment control groups. Carers were assessed for mood, stress (Beck Depression Inventory and General Health Questionnaire), degree of burden and knowledge of problems of dementia. Carers receiving emotional support experienced the greatest reduction in stress, whereas those receiving information only showed an increase in knowledge, but no reduction in stress.

Effects of social supports on burden in caregivers of people with dementia

“…In support groups, individuals share personal feelings and concerns, encourage mutuality and validation, and overcome feelings of social isolation (Sorensen et al, 2006). Counseling usually consists of a combination of emotional support and information-provision (Sutcliffe and Larner, 1988). Counseling usually consists of a combination of emotional support and information-provision (Sutcliffe and Larner, 1988).…”

Abuse of elderly people by their carers.

“…Efforts to change the behaviour of the patient or improve the coping skills of the carer can be made with the help of a clinical psychologist or psychogeriatrician. Carers may find carer support groups helpful, along with counsellings 16 and advice on alcohol abuse. Family therapy may be of benefit.…”

Nonpharmacological Therapies in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Efficacy

“…CG education for coping skills in individual sessions was of particular success when conducted on CGs displaying psychological morbidity [134] or when an emotion-oriented approach was used [125] . A program focusing on family interactions [141] and an information-oriented program [125] failed to improve CG mood.…”

“…A program focusing on family interactions [141] and an information-oriented program [125] failed to improve CG mood. The enrichment of CG education with other components (multicomponent intervention in the CG) also improved CG mood.…”