Work

Positive Experiences and Self-Gain Among Family Caregivers of Persons With Heart Failure

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The majority of aging adults with heart failure (HF) receive support from a family caregiver. Most literature has emphasized the stressors and burden of caregiving, with less focus on positive self-gains associated with caregiving. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using an explanatory sequential design, we assessed self-gain by administering a survey to caregivers of a person with HF (n = 108) and then conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with a subset (n = 16) of these caregivers. Quantitative results indicate spousal caregivers, and caregivers with higher preparedness and higher mastery had greater odds of reporting high self-gain. Content analysis of qualitative data revealed 3 themes of self-gain including (i) caregiving as a means to enhancing relationships, (ii) success in negotiating care and healthy behaviors with people with HF, and (iii) caregiving as a means of preparing caregivers for the future. CONCLUSIONS: HF caregivers experience a range of positive self-gains and the ability to find meaning in the stressful caregiving role. Caregivers' ability to garner intrinsic gains from their role can have important benefits well after caregiving has ended.

Source: The Gerontologist

DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny162

Authors: Lauren R Bangerter, Joan M Griffin, Shannon M Dunlay

Institution: Mayo Clinic

Language: English

Topic: Nursing care and research

Subfield: Pharmacy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute