Culturally Sensitive Dementia Caregiving Models and Clinical Practice

Abstract

Family caregiving for individuals with dementia is an increasingly complex issue that affects the caregivers' and care recipients' physical, mental, and emotional health. This article presents 3 key culturally sensitive caregiver models along with clinical interventions relevant for mental health counseling professionals.

Influences of Mutuality, Preparedness, and Balance on Caregivers of Patients With Dementia

“…It was identified as a culturally sensitive model for dementia care (Daire & Mitcham-Smith, 2006) and was found to predict caregiving consequences (Shyu & Lee, 2002). Similar findings were also reported in studies conducted in Western countries (Beach 1993;Carmack, 1997).…”

Experiences of Adults Who Identify as Primary Caregivers

“…It is recommended that counselors encourage caregivers to identify positive coping strategies, such as reading a book, taking a walk, cooking, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family, to maintain self‐care. As caregivers remain consistent with self‐care to manage caregiver stress, they are likely to experience success as caregivers (Daire & Mitcham‐Smith, ). Therefore, counselors should remind caregivers to take time for themselves and take breaks from caregiving as needed.…”

“…In addition, Schure et al () reported that caregivers feel responsible to provide care, and this feeling can lead to social isolation and burnout. Research has proven that caregivers’ particular situation and stressors typically dictate their coping strategies when faced with the caregiver role (Daire & Mitcham‐Smith, ). Therefore, professional counselors must be aware of the complex, multifaceted needs of the primary caregiver.…”

Experiences of adult family members of caregivers who give care to relatives with dementia

“…For the purposes of this study, adult child caregivers are defined as the biological or adopted children of individuals diagnosed with dementia who provide care for such a parent and are engaged simultaneously in other coexisting family relationships with spouses, significant others or children. As primary caregivers, adult child caregivers often have total responsibility for care provision and safety of their parent (Daire & Mitcham-Smith, 2006).…”

“…The adult child caregiver's responsibilities include but are not limited to attending to activities of daily living (ADLs) and ensuring medical treatments, care compliances, and welfare of their parents (Daire & Mitcham-Smith, 2006;Waldrop, 2007). Adult child caregivers often experience a reversal of role with the relative for whom they provide care (Che, Yeh, & Wu, 2006); they also have to balance caregiving with the other responsibilities in their lives, which include care of other family members, social engagements, and paid work (Daire & Mitcham-Smith, 2006).…”