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Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified), Open
Journal article
"I've learned to just go with the flow": Family caregivers' strategies for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
Dementia (London, England), v 19(3), pp 590-605
01 Apr 2020
PMID: 29886777
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Background and objectives
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are highly prevalent, stressful, and challenging to manage. Caregivers' approaches for handling these behaviors have implications for both care partners' well-being. Yet the specific strategies that caregivers use in their daily management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are relatively unknown. This study used in-depth focus group data to examine family caregivers' strategies for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Design
As part of a larger study (NINR R01NR014200), four focus groups were conducted with a total of 26 family caregivers of older adults with dementia. Caregivers were asked to describe the strategies they use to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Data from audio-recorded sessions were transcribed, coded to identify relevant concepts, and reduced to determine major categories.
Results
Caregivers managed behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia through (1) modifying interactions within the care dyad (e.g., simplifying communication); (2) modifying the care environment (e.g., using written prompts); (3) activity engagement; (4) humor; (5) self-care; and (6) social support.
Conclusion
Family caregivers manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia using strategies to minimize stress and address the needs of both care partners. Caregivers' own accounts of these approaches reveal a window into their everyday management of difficult behaviors. The present findings generate key information for routine clinical care and targeted interventions to promote caregiver well-being.
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Details
- Title
- "I've learned to just go with the flow": Family caregivers' strategies for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
- Creators
- Courtney A. Polenick - University of Michigan–Ann ArborLaura M. Struble - University of Michigan–Ann ArborBarbara Stanislawski - Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, HSR&D Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), USAMolly Turnwald - University of Michigan–Ann ArborBrianna Broderick - University of Michigan–Ann ArborLaura N. Gitlin - Drexel UniversityHelen C. Kales - Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, HSR&D Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, USA
- Publication Details
- Dementia (London, England), v 19(3), pp 590-605
- Publisher
- Sage
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- T32 MH073553 / NIMH NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) R01 NR014200 / NINR NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000523858400005
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85048779212
- Other Identifier
- 991019168143604721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Gerontology