Logo image
Back
Needs Assessments of Memory Disorder Patients
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Needs Assessments of Memory Disorder Patients

Kate J. Bowen, Elizabeth W. Gonzalez, Carolyn Y. Edwards and Carol F. Lippa
American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, v 29(8), pp 667-672
01 Dec 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317514534952
PMID: 24851872
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317514534952View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Maybe Open Access (Publisher Bronze),  Open

Abstract

Clinical Neurology Geriatrics & Gerontology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Neurosciences & Neurology Science & Technology
Background: Previous research shows that informal caregivers of individuals with a memory disorder experience financial strain, declining physical health, and psychological distress. Various resources and services have been developed to address and/or prevent these potential outcomes, yet caregivers continue to be negatively affected by the demands of caregiving. We hypothesize that better identification and clarification of concrete patient and caregiver needs will aid in the modification and improvement of the available resources. The purpose of this study is to determine the psychosocial needs of the cognitively impaired population and their caregivers. Methods: A one-page Needs Assessment was created to address areas of potential concern for the individual with a memory disorder and the caregiver. This assessment was administered during visits to an outpatient clinic in Philadelphia. Results: A total of 204 Needs Assessments were collected. The significant needs found in our study cohort include sleep, exercise, clinical trials, education, and assistance with ADLs and IADLs. Conclusions: This study satisfied the initial identification of caregiver and patient needs; now each must be explored further to determine how to successfully meet such needs. If the primary needs of the patient can be met by a focused service, the caregiver will no longer be the sole provider of meeting the specific need. This will decrease the involved role of the caregiver, maximize patient homecare, minimize caregiver stress, and increase the quality of life for both the patient and caregiver.

Metrics

13 Record Views
3 citations in Web of Science
3 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Web of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Logo image