Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003.

Purpose: This review evaluates the impact of intervention studies for informal dementia caregivers. Methods: Meta-analytic methods were used to integrate the findings of 14 intervention studies evaluating the cognitive behaviour therapy for caregivers. Meta-regression and analysis of variance were used to evaluate the impact of caregiver and intervention characteristics on the outcomes. Results: Significant effects sizes were found for the impact of CBT on depression, burden, and mental health difficulties, g* = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.92, -0.19], g *= -0.37, 95% CI [-0.57, - 0.17], and g* = -0.54, 95% CI [-0.78, -0.30], respectively. CBT facilitated more adaptive coping, with significant effects on caregiver adaptive coping and dysfunctional thoughts, g* = 0.48, 95% CI (0.02, 0.24) and g* = -1.33, 95% CI (-2.22, -0.44). The impact of CBT on caregiver outcomes was associated with the nature of the study control condition, and the intervention delivery, timing and specificity to dementia type. Caregiver ethnicity and gender were not predictive of the CBT outcome. Implications: Overall, caregiver interventions are efficacious in alleviating caregiver distress and facilitating more adaptive coping responses, with prominent effects established for CBT. Future research needs to consider CBT as part of multi-intervention approach tailored to the needs of caregivers across the disease progression. Further improvements are needed, with greater consideration of the impact of the intervention design in alleviating caregiver distress.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, School of Nursing, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2006. / "August, 2006." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 67-70). Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia State University, 2007. / Title from file title page. Mary Ball, committee chair; Jaye Atkinson, Frank Whittington, committee members. Electronic text (114 p.) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed Nov. 1, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 106-114).

Thesis (doctoral)--Åbo akademi, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 163-181).

Thesis (doctoral)--Åbo akademi, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 163-181).

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Also available in print.

No / Statement of context: The Helping Occupational Performance through Engagement programme is a series of workshops which aim to equip informal caregivers with the skills and knowledge they require to engage a person with dementia in meaningful daily occupations. Reflection on practice: Following the initial implementation of the programme, a service evaluation was carried out to establish whether these aims were being met. The evaluation took a mixed methods approach, combining questionnaire and focus group data obtained from participants of the programme. Implications for practice: Results demonstrated that whilst in general the programme is fulfilling its aims, further evaluation is required to establish the long-term impact of the programme.

In Canada, the literature regarding First Nations people’s experiences with dementia is sparse, as is the literature relating to the health and wellness of Indigenous dementia caregivers. Colonization has imposed physical, psychological and structural disadvantages on Indigenous communities that impact the family’s ability to provide informal dementia care. The First Nations senior population is growing rapidly and there is a pressing need to gather knowledge about the unique needs of First Nations informal dementia caregivers. This doctoral research seeks to contribute to the growing body of literature on this vitally important topic. This thesis reports the findings from my PhD research study, which was conducted in collaboration with the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, and with generous support from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth community. Using an Indigenous storytelling research method, the study explored the following questions: What are the experiences of Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations dementia caregivers? What support services do caregivers access and what services do they perceive are lacking? Nine Nuu-Chah-Nulth caregivers shared their experiences providing support and care to a family member with memory loss, and their perspectives on memory care resources. Interviews were conducted in various locations within the Nuu-Chah-Nulth territories to gather the caregiver’s knowledge. The author’s story as an informal dementia caregiver is also interwoven throughout the dissertation. The Nuu-Chah-Nulth caregivers narratives revealed diverse and complex experiences with the following central themes and sub-themes: trauma over the life-cycle (residential school, family violence, grief and loss); pressures of care-giving (managing the symptoms of dementia, health and family dynamics); and finally, participants’ perceptions of community resources. The findings from this research reveal that Nuu-Chah-Nulth dementia caregivers and the family members they supported were still healing from the various traumas that were inflicted on their mind, body and spirit through residential school experiences. Most of the caregivers reported that they prefer to care for their family member at home but community supports are limited. / Graduate