Factors Associated with the Health and Well-being of Dementia Caregivers

Abstract

Caregiving for persons with dementia has been associated with exacerbated stress and burden that can impact the health and well-being of those providing care. Spouses and adult children are the majority of these caregivers and their needs and vulnerabilities often differ. In addition, ethnicity and race are also factors that can influence caregiver needs and responses. This paper reviews recent studies on caregiver well-being, relationships, and ethnicity and interventions that may support those in caregiving roles.

Towards sustainable implementation of music in daily care of people with dementia and their spouses

“…PCs have to attend to the person's health needs, assist with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, as well as multiple instrumental activities of daily living, such as paying bills and shopping ( Riffin, Ven Ness, Wolff, & Fried, 2017 ). The long duration of illness is an added challenge and it can affect the PC’s physical and mental health, social relationships, and well-being ( Birkenhäger-Gillesse, Kollen, Zuidema, & Achterberg, 2018 ; Cox, 2013 ; McAuliffe, Ong, & Kinsella, 2018 ). A large burden is placed on spouses who must deal with the daily stress associated with caregiving, as well as with the realization that they are losing an important intimate relationship in their lives ( Cox, 2013 ; McAuliffe et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The long duration of illness is an added challenge and it can affect the PC’s physical and mental health, social relationships, and well-being ( Birkenhäger-Gillesse, Kollen, Zuidema, & Achterberg, 2018 ; Cox, 2013 ; McAuliffe, Ong, & Kinsella, 2018 ). A large burden is placed on spouses who must deal with the daily stress associated with caregiving, as well as with the realization that they are losing an important intimate relationship in their lives ( Cox, 2013 ; McAuliffe et al, 2018 ). Studies on the impact or stress associated with caregiving by family members have also highlighted the vulnerability of spouses ( Cox, 2013 ; Savundranayagam, Montgomery, & Kosloski, 2011 ).…”

“…A large burden is placed on spouses who must deal with the daily stress associated with caregiving, as well as with the realization that they are losing an important intimate relationship in their lives ( Cox, 2013 ; McAuliffe et al, 2018 ). Studies on the impact or stress associated with caregiving by family members have also highlighted the vulnerability of spouses ( Cox, 2013 ; Savundranayagam, Montgomery, & Kosloski, 2011 ). Therefore, it is crucial to provide support for people with dementia and their spouses.…”

Measuring the Caregiver Burden of Caring for Community-Residing People with Alzheimer’s Disease

“…By the mid-21st century, 78% of the world’s older adult population will reside in LMICs, with expected concomitant increases in dementia cases [ 1 ]. The most common type of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of all cases, is that resulting from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [ 2 ].…”

Enhancing Resourcefulness to Improve Outcomes in Family Caregivers and Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Randomized Trial

“…Families often take on the responsibilities of caring for sick or disabled elderly family members at home with minimal or no preparation or knowledge about the person's health problems. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is particularly demanding as the needs for care escalate as the disease progresses [ 1 ]. Family caregivers may also experience stress because their family roles are changing; they face the prospect of losing a family member [ 2 ]; and they may feel unprepared to meet caregiving demands [ 3 ].…”