The types of caregiving reactions experienced by the older spouse caregivers

Abstract

Aims To examine factors associated with the four types of caregiver reactions according to the modified Caregiver Reaction Assessment (mCRA) and assess the differences in the narrative assessment from spouse caregivers between the high‐positive and high‐negative caregiver reactions. Background There is a limited understanding of the factors contributing to positive and negative reactions among older spouse caregivers with chronic illnesses. Narrative assessment from spouse caregivers has not been studied before. Design The study design was a paired‐sample, mixed‐method survey design. Data were collected from spouse caregivers (≥55 years old) and care‐recipients in one medical institute from February 2017–December 2017. This manuscript used STROBE checklist to ensure complete reporting. Methods Demographic, socioeconomic, Frailty Index, perceived stress, and quality of life data were gathered from caregiver dyads. mCRA, relationship, and life satisfaction data were collected from caregivers. mCRA identified the four types of caregiver reactions: (a) high‐positive, low‐negative; (b) high‐positive, high‐negative; (c) low‐positive, high‐negative; and (d) low‐positive, low‐negative. A qualitative interview was conducted to understand the differences in the narrative and choice of words used to describe caregiving experience. Results Seventy‐five caregiver dyads were recruited. Total perceived stress was found to be negatively associated with high‐positive, low‐negative caregiver reaction (baseline category: low‐positive, high‐negative) by multinomial logistic regression. Content analyses showed that low‐positive and high‐negative caregivers used words that implied a lack of volition. Caregivers with positive experience viewed caregiving as a responsibility; the opposite viewed it as having ‘no choice’. Conclusions Perceived stress is an important indicator of caregiver reactions. Words used when describing caregiving experiences can potentially depict the spouse caregivers' current state of being as a caregiver. Relevance to clinical practice Spouse caregiver's narrative of their caregiving experience may provide easy and quick insights if interventions are needed. Early identification of negative reactions will allow for prompt interventions in mitigating caregivers' stress.

Association between caregiver ability and quality of life for people with inflammatory bowel disease: The mediation effect of positive feelings of caregivers

“…Our result showed that a better relationship between patients with IBD and caregivers might bring more positive feelings to caregivers. This is in line with previous studies, which show that caregivers would experience satisfaction, resilience, and self-growing in caring for their spouse ( Wang et al, 2017 ; Aloweni et al, 2019 ). Although these studies did not assess closeness systematically, participants reported excellent relationship quality, which indicated that closeness was the core of bringing positive feelings.…”

<p>Frustrated Caring: Family Members’ Experience of Motivating COPD Patients Towards Self-Management</p>

“…1,2 Insufficient support from health professionals (HPs) has been observed, [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] and families may experience a burden similar to suffering from chronic illness themselves. 8 Researchers call for a comprehensive focus on caregivers' role in motivating COPD patients towards selfmanagement 1,2,[10][11][12][13][14] where the goal to optimize patients' health, reduce symptoms and increase function, involves the establishment of alliances with HPs, family, friends and community. 15 Early intervention and family involvement by HPs may reduce the burden and distress of the patient-caregiver dyad, and enhance their chance of developing practical skills, strategies for managing adverse events and anticipation of future events.…”

“…18,23 As families' responsibilities increase in parallel with patients' disease trajectory, some may need more focused education and support to enhance their caregiving role. 12 There is still a gap in the literature on the role of family members of a COPD patient and a study points out a certain reluctance by patients and family members to identify emerging symptoms as the beginning of an illness trajectory. 24 The aim of the present study was to explore the experience of principal family members (spouses and adult children) of motivating COPD patients towards selfmanagement.…”

Psychosocial vulnerability among carers of persons living with a chronic illness: A scoping review

“…One focused on a family‐centred empowerment intervention model (Bagheri et al, 2019); the other used an assistive technology technology intervention (Ben Mortenson et al, 2018). Two experimental studies focusing on a bio (lymphocytes) psychosocial perspective were included (Mills et al, 1999, 2004), and one pilot study explored the impact of caregivers providing gentle massage to their loved ones (Kempson & Conley, 2009) Two qualitative studies were included (Blank, 2018; Simpson et al, 2010) and one mixed method study (Aloweni et al, 2019) (Table 3).…”