Interventions & Coping Strategies to Prevent Caregiver Burden
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Authors
Doneburg, Karlie
Issue Date
2014-04-26
Type
poster
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the interventions and coping strategies that all social worker’s should be aware of in order to prevent caregiver burnout of the aging population diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia related diseases. The topic of Alzheimer’s and Dementia appear to be highly studies, but the investigation of caregiver burnout and coping strategies specific to Alzheimer’s and Dementia related diseases appears to be highly understudied. According to Riedijk, S. R., De Vugt, M. E., Duivenvoorden, H. J., Niermeijer, M. F., Van Swieten, J. C., Verhey, F. J., & Tibben, A. A. (2006), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most prevalent dementia after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this thesis is to investigate the fact that the baby boom generation is on the rise and studies show that for every 1 of the 4.5 million American’s living with Alzheimer’s (Hebert, Scherr, Bienias, Bennett, & Evans, 2003), have a caregiver that will be affected by their diagnosis. For instance, cases of Alzheimer’s are projected to increase by more than 50% in 20 years, and by 2050, 16 million cases are anticipated (Alzheimer’s Study Group, 2009). Social Worker’s should be aware of these statistics and should know the necessary interventions and coping strategies that are best practice for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia related diseases and their caregivers.
Focusing on recent research regarding dementia and its long term impact on care givers will determine the influence of grief, in addition to other factors representing both positive and negative aspects of the caregiver role and the interventions and coping strategies that are intended solely for those caring for family members with Alzheimer’s and dementia related diagnosis.