Caring for Caregivers: Facing up to Tough Challenges

Williams, A. Paul; Peckham, Allie; Watkins, Jillian; Warrick, Natalie; Tam, Tommy; Rudoler, David; Spalding, Karen

doi:10.12927/hcq.2014.24015

Cited by 11 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Consistent with a growing international literature on caregiving, case managers in our study emphasized that in decision making in home and community care settings, the older person and the informal caregiver together constitute the unit of care (Navaie-Waliser et al, 2002; Williams et al, 2013a, 2013b). In acute care settings where individuals are treated on a short-term episodic basis apart from their social context, caregivers may play important though more limited roles; in H&CC however, where care is often complex and ongoing, informal caregivers play more central and demanding roles over extended periods of time, often until the end-of-life.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Balancing Formal and Informal Care for Older Persons: How Case Managers Respond

2014

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This study examined how front-line home and community-care (H&CC) case managers view the role of informal caregivers, and the factors that contribute to H&CC managers' resource allocation decisions. The study research used two methods of data collection: (a) secondary analysis of the results from balance of care (BoC) simulations conducted in nine regions of Ontario, and (b) in-depth follow-up interviews with participating BoC case managers. Results suggest that case managers unanimously agree that the unit of care in the H&CC sector is not confined to the individual, as in acute care, but encompasses both the individual and the caregiver. We found, however, considerable variation in the mix and volume of H&CC services recommended by case managers. We conclude that variability in decision making may reflect the lack of regulations, best practices, and accountability guidelines in the H&CC sector.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Balancing Formal and Informal Care for Older Persons: How Case Managers Respond

2014

Self Cite

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“…peer support) for this unique population of children, and this may differ from their emphasis in the broader healthcare literature with implications for interpretations of effectiveness (Williams et al . ). Correspondingly, studies yielding both positive and null impacts reinforce that a more comprehensive understanding is required of ‘what works best for whom and when’ (Meltzer et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Children with medical complexity: a scoping review of interventions to support caregiver stress

Edelstein

Schippke

Sheffe

et al. 2016

Child

130

111

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Positive findings of reductions in caregiver stress were noted within an emerging body of evidence on effective interventions for families of children with medical complexity. A commonality across domains was a significant focus on streamlining services and reducing the burden of care related to varied pressures experienced, including time, finances, care needs and service access, among others. There was non-conclusive evidence however around which of the six identified intervention domains or combination thereof are most effective for reducing stress. These promising findings demonstrate that stress reduction is possible with the right support and that multiple interventions may be effective in reducing burdens of care experienced by families of children with medical complexity.

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“…YouTube, entertainment, family photographs, games, Alzheimer’s apps, music videos, and Skype, for example, help reduce residents’ boredom and isolation while enabling greater independence, productivity, connection, and socialization [44]. Also, one study found that iPads increase caregiver confidence and their ability to engage socially and improve their personal life and health [45].…”

Section: Objectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Impact of Music & Memory’s Personalized Music and Tablet Engagement Program in Wisconsin Assisted Living Communities: Pilot Study

Ford¹,

Dodds²,

Hyland³

et al. 2019

JMIR Aging

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Background Individuals with Alzheimer disease or related dementia represent a significant and growing segment of the older adult (aged 65 years and above) population. In addition to physical health concerns, including comorbid medical conditions, these individuals often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The presence of BPSD in long-term care residential facilities can disrupt resident’s care and impact staff. Nonpharmacological interventions such as personalized music and tablet engagement maintain cognitive function, improve quality of life (QOL), and mitigate BPSD for older adults with dementia. Evidence of the impact of such interventions in assisted living communities (ALCs) is needed for widespread adoption and sustainment of these technologies. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Music & Memory’s personalized music and tablet engagement (PMATE) program on QOL, agitation, and medication use for residents living in 6 Wisconsin ALCs. Methods The data collected were on the utilization of iPods and iPads by the residents. Residents’ outcomes were assessed using the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale, the Quality of Life in Late Stage Dementia scale, and self-reported medication use. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to examine the impact of the PMATE program on these outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A paired t test explored changes in residents’ QOL. A 1-way analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes in resident’s agitation and QOL based on the resident’s utilization of the PMATE program. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the individuals responsible for PMATE implementation in the ALC. Residents excluded from the analysis were those who passed away, were discharged, or refused to participate. Results A total of 5 apps, based on average times used by residents, were identified. In all, 4 of the 5 apps were rated as being useful to promote residents’ engagement. PMATE utilization was not associated with changes in the residents’ agitation levels or antipsychotic medication use over time. Over a 3-month period, the change in residents’ QOL was significant ( P =.047), and the differences across ALCs were also significant ( F 25 =3.76, P =.02). High utilizers of the PMATE program (>2500 min over 3 months) showed greater improvements in QOL as compared with low utilizers (a change of −5.90 points vs an increase of 0.43 points). The difference was significant ( P =.03). Similar significant findings were found between the high- and midutilizers. Conclusions The study is one of the first to explore the impact of Music & Memory’s PMATE program on residents living in ALCs. Findings suggest that higher utilization over time improves residents’ QOL. However, a ...

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Caring for Caregivers: Facing up to Tough Challenges

Cited by 11 publications

References 8 publications

Balancing Formal and Informal Care for Older Persons: How Case Managers Respond

Balancing Formal and Informal Care for Older Persons: How Case Managers Respond

Children with medical complexity: a scoping review of interventions to support caregiver stress

Evaluating the Impact of Music & Memory’s Personalized Music and Tablet Engagement Program in Wisconsin Assisted Living Communities: Pilot Study

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