Development of a Caregiver Empowerment Model to Promote Positive Outcomes

Abstract

Family members caring for aging parents experience both negative and positive outcomes from providing care. Theoretical explanations for negative outcomes have been developed. There is need for models that explain and predict positive outcomes. This article describes the evolution of the Caregiver Empowerment Model (CEM) to explain and predict positive outcomes of family caregiving. Although empirical findings support positive outcomes of family caregiving, less attention has been given to theoretical rationale for positive effects. The CEM predicts that, in the presence of filial values and certain background variables, caregiving demands are appraised as challenges instead of stressors. Appraising caregiving demands as a challenge, finding meaning, and using certain types of coping strategies are posited to be associated with growth and well-being. The CEM extends our understanding of the complexity of the caregiving experience, and can serve as a framework to guide in developing and testing theory-based interventions to promote positive outcomes.

Caring for Parents With Neurodegenerative Disease

“…Thus, in this paper we will report on analysis of data specific to adult children caring for a parent with either Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Parkinson’s disease (PD). In line with an emerging call for a shift away from caregiver burden and the negative effects of being a caregiver this paper will focus on the positive experiences in being a caregiver to a parent with either AD or PD 4,5 . These two older adult populations were selected because earlier research demonstrated caregivers needs to be similar across the two diseases 6 .…”

Nurses' Perceptions of Their Relationships with Informal Carers in Institutional Respite Care for Older People

“…Revising family caregiving through an empowerment framework has been shown to guide health professionals in promoting caregiver well-being [14]. …”

Cancer Care in East and Central Harlem: Community Partnership Needs Assessment

“…Several unique interventions have been created in an attempt to strengthen both individual and community members’ health-related self-efficacy and empowerment. For example, the use of a community radio to facilitate and encourage sustainable change [14], the use of a caregiver empowerment model [15], and the use of telehealth to promote disease self-management and promote empowerment [16] are valid options for improving community health outcomes. Accordingly, the development of programs and interventions that build and strengthen community involvement and capacity to increase sustainable change is essential.…”