Nursing interventions to assist in decreasing stress in caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the most progressive, degenerative neurologic disease of the brain and the most common cause of cognitive impairment in older adults, affects people who are beyond the 65 year age range. Although AD may affect people who are younger, it is definitely a painful and stressful experience for the patient as well as for loved ones. There are many stressors involved in the care of a person affected by AD: loneliness, depression, coping with unpredictable patient behavior, lack of knowledge regarding care of AD patients, etc. Monitoring the safety of AD patients and taking care of basic needs are sometimes challenging for caregivers. Nursing interventions would include: encouraging caregivers to learn more about the disease, understand what is available in the community for social support and understand legal and financial issues.
Skinner
Kristina
K
College of Nursing, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. kskinner@con.ohio-state.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D019058:Community Networks; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D012144:Respite Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology