Impact of a multicomponent support services program on informal caregivers of adults aging with disabilities.
A multicomponent support services program was implemented for veterans aging with disabilities and their informal caregivers (n = 42 dyads). Caregiver outcomes (satisfaction, physical and mental health status, burden, and benefits) were evaluated before and after program use. Caregivers reported significant improvements in mental health post-program. Caregivers who provided care to individuals with impaired physical health experienced meaningful improvements in burden after the support services were rendered. Supporting caregiver health status through such programs is vital to preserve noninstitutional long-term care for persons aging with disabilities, particularly when care is provided over many years to an individual with physical impairments.
Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital, Illinois 60141, USA. sherri.lavela@va.gov
Sherri L
SL
LaVela
Brenda W
BW
Johnson
Scott
S
Miskevics
Frances M
FM
Weaver
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs / Q000458:organization & administration; D014728:Veterans; D055815:Young Adult