Interventions to build resilience in family caregivers of people living with dementia

Abstract

Implications for research relate to the development of a more comprehensive theory of resilience in family caregivers that can be used to develop and rigorously evaluate reliable and valid measures of resilience in line with that theory. Further, well-designed, sufficiently powered intervention studies informed by theory are needed.

The influence of day care centres for people with dementia on family caregivers: an integrative review of the literature

“…This confirms earlier studies claiming that mastering the family caregiver role does not mean they do not experience stress . Although personal factors in the resilience concept are largely related to biology and personality, there is growing support for the reasoning that more of these factors can be influenced (Herrman et al, 2011;Petriwskyj et al, 2016). The study shows that day care may help to strengthen family caregivers' personal and individual resources -a finding that supports this research.…”

“…Resilience describes the characteristics of or the circumstances surrounding these family caregivers that protect them from the experience of stress and burden (Gaugler et al, 2007). It can be described as a positive process that helps family caregivers to cope, adapt, readjust and thrive in the face of care-related challenges (Petriwskyj, Parker, O'Dwyer, Moyle & Nucifora, 2016). Thus, the concept of resilience can help us understand what characterizes family caregivers who, to a greater extent than other family caregivers, experience positive aspects of the role of caregiver.…”

“…The few studies that exist show that such interventions are believed to have a positive effect, but that identifying which interventions improve resilience and which do not in a population is a challenge (Petriwskyj et al, 2016). The fact that it is difficult to distinguish between the effect of individual factors may mean that it is the combination or the sum of the factors that produces the effect.…”

Informal caregivers’ experiences of caring for people receiving dialysis: A mixed‐methods systematic review

“…; Petriwskyj et al . ). However, the review findings highlight several specific caregiving tasks related to the dialysis therapy, particularly home dialysis, which the caregivers have to carry (i.e.…”

“…; Petriwskyj et al . ). The informal caregivers’ development of resilient abilities during their caregiving experiences is an important factor that strengthens and sustains the caregiving relationship.…”