Leisure Education with Caregiver Support Groups

Testing the Efficacy of a Creative‐Arts Intervention With Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer

“…Evidence indicates that family caregivers are vulnerable and need assistance (Hardwig, 1990, 1995; SUPPORT Principal Investigators, 1995). Yet, because of their circumstances, family caregivers are difficult to reach or engage in activities that might be helpful to them (Astudillo & Mendinueta, 1996; Carter & Chang, 2000; Carter et al, 1998; Glaus & Senn, 1996). In studies of caregiver interest in attending a psychoeducational group, recruitment was cited as a major problem when substantial numbers of caregivers refused participation because of reluctance to leave the patient alone or in the care of another (Carter & Chang, 2000; Chan & Chang, 1999).…”

“…Seventy‐five percent of families in the United States have one or more family members diagnosed with cancer (Minino & Smith, 2001). During the course of illness, a family caregiver often assumes major responsibilities for the care of a relative because technologic advances and financial constraints have shifted the delivery of care from inpatient to outpatient settings (Carter, Nezay, Wenzel, & Foret, 1998). Although family caregivers experience high stress levels (Chan & Chang, 1999), they do not have the time or resource for, or interest in, caring for self or participating in activities to reduce their stress because of their consuming focus on the patient (Walsh, Estrada, & Hogan, 2004).…”