We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Long-term care placement: The transitional support needs and preferences of spousal dementia caregivers.
- Authors
Brooks, Deborah; Beattie, Elizabeth; Fielding, Elaine; Wyles, Katy; Edwards, Helen
- Abstract
Background and objectives: Many spousal caregivers experience stress, depression, loneliness, guilt and grief when placing a partner with dementia into long-term care. However, there is little research about their transitional support experiences, needs and preferences. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of these issues from spousal caregiver and long-term care facility staff perspectives, to inform subsequent support and intervention development. Research design and methods: Semi-structured interviews and small group discussions were held separately with spousal caregivers (n = 9) and care facility staff (n = 11). Criterion and variation sampling aimed to ensure a range of experiences and perspectives. The 'Framework' approach was utilised for data analysis. Interpretation was with respect to underpinning models of stress-grief process in dementia caregiving. Findings: A range of informational, psychoeducational and psychosocial supports were identified to help spousal caregivers cope better with the stressors and losses experienced throughout the transition from home to long-term care. Improved education about disease progression, information relating to long-term care provision, peer support and dementia-specific grief counselling were deemed important. Opportunities for better support within care facilities were also identified. Support should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Discussion and implications: The findings suggest a supportive care framework be developed, encompassing the trajectory from assessment for and admission into long-term care to end-of-life and post-bereavement support. Spousal caregivers should have their support needs assessed by trained health or social care professionals and be offered a range of support options as appropriate.
- Subjects
AUSTRALIA; SERVICES for caregivers; CAREGIVER attitudes; GRIEF; HEALTH education; COUNSELING; TRANSITIONAL care; RESEARCH methodology; INTERVIEWING; NURSING care facilities; SPOUSES; DEMENTIA; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; NEEDS assessment; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; LONG-term health care; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress
- Publication
Dementia (14713012), 2022, Vol 21, Issue 3, p794
- ISSN
1471-3012
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/14713012211056461