| Description |
In this paper I will describe the development and implementation of a dementia caregiver support group at the University of Utah, and my master's project in which I evaluated the impact of the support group on self-efficacy of caregivers. The number of people who will be burdened with dementia is increasing dramatically. In the U.S., an estimated 5.2 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease and about 15 million caregivers (CGs); family members or friends, care for those individuals with dementia. Persons with dementia receiving care are referred to as care recipients (CRs). Utah is the state with the fastest growing rate of Alzheimer's disease, with an expected 127% increase in persons with Alzheimer's disease between 2000 and 2050 (Alzheimer's Association, 2014). These projections will pose an increasing challenge for adults, family members and health care systems in Utah. Family support is vital for individuals with dementia. Without family support many more individuals with dementia would be compelled to leave their homes to enter an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Many individuals do not wish to relocate and to age-in-place. If assistance from family and friends were not available, there would be a dramatic increase in the need for long-term residential care, and this care utilization might be premature (Herbert et al., 2003). Hence, it is extremely important to find ways to support CGs who desire to keep their care receivers (CRs) at home for as long as possible. Those receiving care often need assistance with one or more daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, transferring, or taking medications (Herbert et al., 2003). Individuals who provide care to family members with dementia may have an increased sense of burden because of the strain of witnessing the family member's negative cognitive, behavioral and personality changes (Au et al., 2009). These changes may be quite challenging for the CG to manage. Hebert et al. (2003) reported that burden felt by CGs is less related to the CR's cognitive deficiencies and disabilities, but more to the troublesome behaviors, such as wandering and emotional outburst that are commonly expressed among individuals with dementia. This study also noted that CGs need information on coping skills, assessing environment for safety, personal care and respite. Tools such as security bracelets and services available to CGs may help them with stress that they will encounter during their time as a CG. There are other numerous stressors associated with being a CG, and even premature mortality has been reported in CGs (Rabinowitz, Saenz, Thompson, and Gallagher-Thompson, 2001). |
