Nonpharmacological Strategies Used By Family Caregivers of Persons With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias as Presented in Blogs.

Nonpharmacological Strategies Used By Family Caregivers of Persons With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias as Presented in Blogs. J Gerontol Nurs. 2019 Jul 01;45(7):25-35 Authors: Anderson JG, Hundt E, Rose KM Abstract Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) may exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia that can increase the strain experienced by their family caregivers. This strain correlates with increased stress and reduced quality of life for the family caregiver and individual with ADRD. More information is needed regarding the ways in which caregivers manage the caregiving experience in their efforts to reduce strain and maintain or improve quality of life. Many individuals, including dementia caregivers, use web blogs as online journals to share their lived experiences. The current study used blogs written by family caregivers of persons with ADRD to explore strategies used to support their care recipients. Using a qualitative thematic analysis, six themes related to the strategies used by caregivers were identified: Modifying the Physical and Personal Environment; Engaging the Person With ADRD; Seeking Outside Assistance; Using Complementary Therapies; Planning and Organization; and Reminiscing and Traditions. The current findings extend our understanding of strategies for caregiving that are used by and acceptable to family caregivers of persons with ADRD. This information can...
Source: Journal of Gerontological Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: J Gerontol Nurs Source Type: research