Work

Anxiety in Family Caregivers of Hospitalized Persons With Dementia

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Baseline health and functional vulnerabilities increase the risk for complications in persons with dementia and predispose family caregivers (FCGs) to increased stress. METHODS: This secondary analysis used a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. Regression analyses examined the contribution of patient and FCG characteristics to FCG anxiety. Interviews with FCGs explored the experiences and responses of FCGs during hospitalization of their family member with dementia. RESULTS: Lower patient physical function and higher caregiver strain were associated with higher FCG anxiety. FCGs described the following themes related to the hospitalization: (1) added strain, (2) care-related worries, (3) keeping vigil, (4) need to be heard, and (5) enablers of FCGs. CONCLUSIONS: Routine evaluation of caregiver strain and baseline patient function is integral to informing the transitional planning for persons with dementia. The FCG responses suggest that a multifactorial approach (family-centered policies of partnership in care, staff education addressing the specialized needs of patients and family members, and attention to promoting functional recovery) may benefit both hospitalized patients with dementia as well as FCGs and warrants future research.

Source: Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders

DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000072

Authors: Marie Boltz, Tracy Chippendale, Barbara Resnick, James E. Galvin

Institutions: Boston College, University of Maryland, Baltimore, NYU Langone Health, New York University, University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences