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Family Caregiving of Older Adults
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Family Caregiving of Older Adults

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 13844

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hanne Konradsen

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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
Interests: family nursing; informal caregiving; innovation; dementia; geriatrics; gerontology; eHealth, research ethics; research methodology
Dr. Zarina Kabir

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
Interests: family caregiving; gerontology; older adults; eHealth; public health; ageing; low- and middle-income countries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In many countries around the world, the population is aging and the number of people living with chronic diseases is increasing. It is expected that the current population of 703 million people aged 65 or over will double by 2050 to reach the number of 1.5 billion people worldwide. This means that the interdependence within families will also increase. Many family members want to take care of their older family members and find it rewarding. However, there are also many who struggle to combine caregiving with work, participating in other social activities, taking care of own health and wellbeing and more. Relying on formal caregiving may be difficult due to the economic restrictions and decreasing economic resources in many countries, as well as a lack of health- and social care professionals to give support. This Special Issue aims to provide a better understanding of the situation of families and what kind of support they need, as well as the development of systemic, relational and practical personal care interventions that should be supported and implemented.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Caregiver support;
  • Caregiver burden;
  • Caregiver stress;
  • Biopsychosocial implications of caregiving;
  • Family nursing;
  • Family support;
  • Informal or family caregiving;
  • Older people;
  • Dementia;
  • Chronic illness;
  • Health promotion.

Prof. Dr. Hanne Konradsen
Dr. Zarina Nahar Kabir
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • family caregiving
  • family health
  • older adults
  • care partner

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1036 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of a Telephone-Intervention on Caregiving Burden and Mental Health among Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Syarifah Amirah Binti Syed Ahmad, Zarina Nahar Kabir, Marie Tyrrell, Åsa Craftman and Hashima E. Nasreen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101354 - 13 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2053
Abstract
Identifying effective and accessible interventions for family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) is crucial as the prevalence of dementia increases in Asia. This study investigated the efficacy of a telephone-intervention on the reduction in caregiver burden, as well as depressive and anxiety [...] Read more.
Identifying effective and accessible interventions for family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) is crucial as the prevalence of dementia increases in Asia. This study investigated the efficacy of a telephone-intervention on the reduction in caregiver burden, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms among family caregivers (FCs) of PWD in Malaysia. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out with 121 FCs of PWD selected from memory or psychiatry clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia, who were randomly allocated into the intervention or control group. The intervention group received the psychoeducational intervention delivered by healthcare staff via telephone for 10 sessions over 12 weeks. The outcome of the intervention was measured by the Malay version of the Zarit Burden Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and post-intervention. An intention to treat analysis shows that caregiver burden, anxiety symptoms, and psychological distress among FCs in the intervention group decreased by 7.57 units (p < 0.001), 2.46 units (p < 0.001), and 2.98 units (p = 0.011), respectively, at post-intervention, compared to the differences from baseline to post-intervention in the control group. Policies aimed at integrating the telephone-intervention into memory/psychiatry clinics in Malaysia may help FCs of PWD to reduce their caregiver burden and stress while caring for a family member with dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)
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16 pages, 373 KiB  
Article
Perceived Importance of Types and Characteristics of Support to Informal Caregivers among Spouse Caregivers of Persons with Dementia in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study
by Marcus F. Johansson, Kevin J. McKee, Lena Dahlberg, Christine L. Williams and Lena Marmstål Hammar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101348 - 11 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1279
Abstract
Informal caregivers play a crucial role in the care of individuals with dementia, and their caregiving may significantly impact their own health and well-being. This cross-sectional survey study focuses on the perceived importance of various types and characteristics of formal support in a [...] Read more.
Informal caregivers play a crucial role in the care of individuals with dementia, and their caregiving may significantly impact their own health and well-being. This cross-sectional survey study focuses on the perceived importance of various types and characteristics of formal support in a convenience sample of caregivers aged 65 years or older (N = 175) caring for a spouse with dementia. Participants completed a questionnaire containing 17 items describing different types of support and 12 items describing different characteristics of support, rating their importance. The questionnaire also contained questions on various caregiving-related factors. Principle components analysis (PCA) was carried out on the importance ratings, separately, on the types of support items and the characteristics of support items. Each PCA produced three components. For types of support, they were Proficiency and Opportunity, Supportive Structures, Flexible Counselling. For characteristics of support, they included Respectful and Competent, Timely Support, and Accessible and Acceptable. The three characteristics of the support components all had higher mean importance ratings than the three types of support components. The content of some components indicated that while spouse caregivers rate support for their caregiving needs as important, they may not always differentiate their own needs from those of their partner with dementia. The negative impact of caregiving was the factor most strongly and consistently associated with the components’ importance ratings. This study emphasizes the need for health and social care providers to address the unique needs of spouse caregivers while simultaneously ensuring the delivery of quality care for individuals with dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)
11 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
The Lived Experience of Caregivers in the Older Stroke Survivors’ Care Pathway during the Transitional Home Program—A Qualitative Study
by Mayra Veronese, Silvio Simeone, Michele Virgolesi, Cristiana Rago, Ercole Vellone, Rosaria Alvaro and Gianluca Pucciarelli
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101276 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2531
Abstract
Background: stroke is a major cause of disability and death, globally. Many stroke survivors live with disabilities, requiring significant caregiving support. Caregivers often feel unprepared and burdened, experiencing isolation and health declines. Their well-being and involvement in discharge planning impact post-discharge care quality. [...] Read more.
Background: stroke is a major cause of disability and death, globally. Many stroke survivors live with disabilities, requiring significant caregiving support. Caregivers often feel unprepared and burdened, experiencing isolation and health declines. Their well-being and involvement in discharge planning impact post-discharge care quality. Purpose: to investigate the experiences of caregivers of older stroke survivors regarding their expectations in the care pathway during the transitional home program, as this phenomenon is currently understudied in the present context. Methods: by employing a qualitative design, this study utilized a phenomenological approach developed by Cohen. Eighteen caregivers of stroke survivors participated. Findings: four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the sense of loss experienced by stroke survivors and perceived by caregivers; (2) the importance of social support in the recovery and well-being of both stroke survivors and caregivers; (3) the increased workload of caregivers; and (4) the lack of awareness of the needs during the transition, leading to resignation when facing complications. Conclusion: the findings highlight the significant impact of stroke on caregivers, affecting both the individual characteristics and social relationships of stroke survivors and their caregivers. There is a need for a nuanced understanding of caregivers’ roles and responsibilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)
16 pages, 819 KiB  
Article
Second Partnership and Dementia Care in a Blended Family: Case Study of a Wicked Problem
by Olga Asrun Stefansdottir, Merrie J. Kaas and Tobba Sudmann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091213 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1594
Abstract
Dementia care research has largely ignored the challenges that may emerge from couple and family dynamics, especially about second partnerships in blended families. This paper details the case of a 79-year-old man, Hannes, in his second partnership who tried to handle the complexities [...] Read more.
Dementia care research has largely ignored the challenges that may emerge from couple and family dynamics, especially about second partnerships in blended families. This paper details the case of a 79-year-old man, Hannes, in his second partnership who tried to handle the complexities of his wife’s dementia care as her children and healthcare providers discounted his role as husband and decision maker. He faced difficult communications with family members and challenges to his role as decision maker by healthcare providers and legal system professionals. This man’s story is explored through multiple interviews and document analyses from 2020 to 2023. This case study uses the concept of the “wicked problem” to frame the potential complexities of dementia care when blended families are involved in decision making. This framework allows us to consider the many facets of family dementia care and how improvements could be made to facilitate role transitions and family decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)
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Review

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16 pages, 532 KiB  
Review
Interventions to Foster Resilience in Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Scoping Review
by Lucía Santonja-Ayuso, Silvia Corchón-Arreche and Mari Carmen Portillo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040485 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2912
Abstract
The family caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s disease still experiences, in most cases, negative consequences in their biopsychosocial environment, which are related to the acquisition of this role. However, it has been observed that this fact is not universal in this type [...] Read more.
The family caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s disease still experiences, in most cases, negative consequences in their biopsychosocial environment, which are related to the acquisition of this role. However, it has been observed that this fact is not universal in this type of population since benefits can be obtained in the act of caring through the development of resilience. Given this possibility and given that nurses are the health professionals who support people in this illness process, there is an urgent need to identify which non-pharmacological interventions could improve or promote resilience in family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, our overall objective was to determine which interventions are useful in promoting resilience in family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease through a scoping review. The data were analysed using an adapted version of Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, after critically reading the articles with the CasP and MMAT tools. Nine articles were included (five analytical experimental, two quantitative and two mixed). Three types of interventions related to promoting resilience in family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease were identified: meditation, multicomponent psychoeducation and creative art; nurses participated as co-therapists in the last two. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)
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Other

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9 pages, 2523 KiB  
Case Report
Robotic Care Equipment Improves Communication between Care Recipient and Caregiver in a Nursing Home as Revealed by Gaze Analysis: A Case Study
by Tatsuya Yoshimi, Kenji Kato, Keita Aimoto and Izumi Kondo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(3), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030250 - 22 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2404
Abstract
The use of robotic nursing care equipment is an important option for solving the shortage of nursing care personnel, but the effects of its introduction have not been fully quantified. Hence, we aimed to verify that face-to-face care is still provided by caregivers [...] Read more.
The use of robotic nursing care equipment is an important option for solving the shortage of nursing care personnel, but the effects of its introduction have not been fully quantified. Hence, we aimed to verify that face-to-face care is still provided by caregivers in transfer situations when using robotic nursing care equipment. This study was conducted at a nursing home where the bed-release assist robot “Resyone Plus” is installed on a long-term basis. Caregiver gaze was analyzed quantitatively for one user of the equipment during transfer situations, and communication time, which involved looking at the face of the care recipient, as well as face-to-face vocalization, was measured. The caregiver spent 7.9 times longer looking at the face of and talking to the care recipient when using Resyone than when performing a manual transfer. In addition, the recipient was observed to smile during Resyone separation, which takes about 30 s. The results indicate a possible improvement in the QOL of care recipients through the use of robotic nursing care equipment as a personal care intervention. The ongoing development of robot technology is thus expected to continue to reduce the burden of caregiving as well as to improve the QOL of care recipients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)
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