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Hill JR, Min EE, Abebe E, Holden RJ. Telecaregiving for Dementia: A Mapping Review of Technological and Nontechnological Interventions. Gerontologist 2024; 64:gnad026. [PMID: 36919597 PMCID: PMC10733214 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Informal (or family) caregivers to older adults with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias (ADRD) could greatly benefit from innovative telecaregiving systems that support caregiving from a distance. The objective of this review is to better understand (a) who is involved in telecaregiving and their experiences; (b) the interventions currently available to support ADRD telecaregiving; and (c) the outcomes measured to assess the effects of ADRD telecaregiving interventions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A mapping review was conducted by systematically searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO for all works published in English from 2002 to 2022. References of included publications were searched to identify additional empirical publications for inclusion. RESULTS Sixty-one publications (describing 48 studies and 5 nonstudy sources) were included in the review. Currently available information on the demographics, experiences, challenges, and benefits of ADRD telecaregivers is summarized. We found that interventions to support telecaregiving could be classified into 7 categories of technological interventions and 3 categories of nontechnological interventions. Empirical studies on ADRD telecaregiving interventions investigated a variety of outcomes, the most prevalent being user experience. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that (a) the paucity of literature on telecaregiving does not allow for a comprehensive understanding of the needs and day-to-day activities of ADRD telecaregivers; (b) interventions developed to support ADRD telecaregiving may not fully meet the needs of caregivers or care recipients; and (c) there is insufficient rigorous research establishing the effects of telecaregiving interventions on key ADRD-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R Hill
- Department of Health & Wellness Design, Indiana University School of Public Health—Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Elissa E Min
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ephrem Abebe
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Richard J Holden
- Department of Health & Wellness Design, Indiana University School of Public Health—Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Extensive literature has documented the experiences of informal caregivers and their interactions with formal care providers, yet this research is almost entirely limited to caregivers who live near their care-recipients. This study aims to describe long-distance caregivers' (LDC) experiences (e.g., satisfaction and challenges) with formal care providers. Subgroup differences were examined based on the care-recipient's (CR) dementia status and residential setting (community versus residential care). METHODS Data were collected from 296 LDCs (Mage = 56.64, SD = 12.40) categorized into four subgroups based on CR dementia status and residential setting. Participants rated their overall satisfaction, satisfaction with communication and information, and described challenges faced in their interactions with formal care providers. RESULTS Challenges related to formal care providers were significantly greater and satisfaction significantly lower among LDCs of CRs in residential care, irrespective of dementia status, when compared to LDCs of CRs in the community. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the experiences of a growing segment of the caregiver population managing care from a distance, specifically in their interactions with formal care providers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The results of this study point to the possible necessity for the development of novel interventions to improve and enhance communication and collaboration between FCPs and informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Falzarano
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Verena R Cimarolli
- LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jillian Minahan
- Psychology Department, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Amy Horowitz
- Graduate School of Social Services, Fordham University, New York, New York, USA
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Zucchetto JM, Cimarolli VR, Wylie MJ, Falzarano F, Horowitz A. Long-Distance Caregivers' Use Of Supportive Services. J Gerontol Soc Work 2022; 65:618-634. [PMID: 34933657 PMCID: PMC9213565 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.2009079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While long-distance caregiving has received increased attention as a unique care experience, prior research has not explored the supportive services used by long-distance caregivers (LDCs) and the factors that predict their supportive service utilization. Using the Andersen Model of Health Care Utilization, the current study sought to: 1) describe the types of supportive services LDCs used and the frequency of usage and 2) identify predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors associated with supportive service use in a sample of LDCs. Participants were recruited from aging services organizations, a national participant registry, professional networks, participant referrals, and an existing pool of research participants. The sample included 304 LDCs who reported on the use of nine supportive services and completed measures assessing depression, caregiver burden, self-rated health, sociodemographic characteristics, and the condition of the care recipient (CR). Fifty percent of LDCs reported no service use. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that younger age, higher caregiver burden, greater depressive symptoms, more time spent helping the CR, and worse CR functional status were significantly related to greater total supportive service use by LDCs. The current study contributes to our understanding of the factors associated with LDCs' supportive service utilization, highlighting the importance of need-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V R Cimarolli
- LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, Washington, DC, USA
| | - M J Wylie
- Gerontology Department, UMass Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - F Falzarano
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - A Horowitz
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, USA
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Herbst FA, Schneider N, Stiel S. Long-distance caregiving at the end of life: a protocol for an exploratory qualitative study in Germany. Palliat Care 2022; 21:69. [PMID: 35546403 PMCID: PMC9095417 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the approximately 4.7 million people in Germany caring for a relative, many live at a geographical distance from their loved one. The provision of remote care to a terminally ill patient is associated with specific challenges and burdens. In the German context, research is lacking on the specific experiences and needs of caregivers in end-of-life situations who are geographically distanced from their relative. Thus, the overarching goal of the proposed study is to detail the specifics of long-distance caregiving at the end of life in Germany, determining the role played by physical distance in shaping end-of-life caregiving and identifying the needs of long-distance caregivers in this situation. Methods The exploratory qualitative study will be guided by an inductive logic, drawing on one-time semi-structured interviews. To uncover the multiplicity of caregiving experiences, long-distance caregivers of both patients receiving early palliative care and patients at a very advanced stage of disease will be included. The study will be divided into five phases: (1) preparation and pretest, (2) data collection and primary analysis, (3) data analysis and interpretation, (4) advisory board workshop and (5) conclusions and recommendations. Discussion The study will aim at generating valuable insight regarding the experiences and needs of family caregivers of end-of-life patients. This is particularly relevant, given that families are becoming increasingly geographically dispersed. As this trend continues, it will challenge traditional models of family care and shed light on novel caregiving issues that will need to be addressed through social and health policy. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) (Registration N° DRKS00024164; date of registration: January 25, 2021), and is searchable under the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the German Clinical Trials Register number. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska A Herbst
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Nils Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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Wang J, Fu Y, Lou V, Tan SY, Chui E. A systematic review of factors influencing attitudes towards and intention to use the long-distance caregiving technologies for older adults. Int J Med Inform 2021; 153:104536. [PMID: 34325206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long-distance caregiving (LDC) technologies play a significant role in enabling distant care and facilitating living-alone older adults to keep socially connected. However, there is scarce research exploring the older adults' attitudes towards and intention to use such technologies. This paper is based on a systematic review of existing literature to explore the multifarious factors influencing independent community-living older adults' attitudes towards and intention to use LDC technologies. METHODS Articles published in English between 2006 and 2020 were reviewed by searching electronic databases of PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCOhost. The inclusion criteria were limited to quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies that involved: 1) distant caregiving; 2) older adults aged 60 years or above, who were living alone or with only their spouse in the community (even though the samples might also involve other non-older adults); 3) technologies including ICT-based devices, systems, or programs enabling data transmission were used; 4), intention to use or behavioral usage in regard to the technologies were reported or discussed. RESULTS In total, 41 out of 8674 articles were included. Both determinants and moderators of affecting the use of the ICT-based LDC technologies were identified with theoretical guidance. To summarize, there are personal factors involved, such as personality, concerns regarding security and privacy, health conditions, requisite knowledge, financial conditions, and influence from significant others, encompassing formal and informal caregivers; and factors related to the devices, in terms of their user-friendliness and functionality. CONCLUSION This review highlights the importance of striking a good balance between functionality and privacy concerns, besides considering the direct and indirect cost to users. LDC technology education should be promoted at the societal level to facilitate older adults' better understanding of the device utilities by enhancing their technological literacy. Implications for various stakeholders to cope with the challenges of an aging population are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
| | - Y Fu
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, North Main Building 2003, 19 Xinjiekou Wai St., Beijing 100875, China.
| | - V Lou
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong; Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
| | - S Y Tan
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, 469C Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772, Singapore.
| | - E Chui
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined whether geographical proximity is a predictor of depressive symptoms, and whether family and friend support can moderate the relationship between geographical proximity and depressive symptoms. METHOD A survey of 557 adult child primary caregivers was conducted in Shanghai, China in 2013. Geographical proximity was measured as a categorical variable: coresidence, short distance (less than 30 minutes' travel time), and long distance (more than 30 minutes' travel time). Family and friend support were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center on Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multiple regression analyses and interaction terms were used to test the moderating roles of family and friend support. RESULTS Adult child caregivers who live more than 30 minutes away from care recipients experienced higher depressive symptoms than coresiding caregivers (β = .114, p < .01). Family support (β = -.408, p < .05) and friend support (β = -.235, p < .05) were protective factors that lessened depressive symptoms for long-distance adult child caregivers. CONCLUSION This study adds spatial dimension to caregiving literature and extends stress process theory. These findings have important implications for service planning and social support for adult child caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Li
- a Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Weiyu Mao
- b School of Social Work, University of Nevada , Reno , NV , USA
| | - Iris Chi
- c Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Vivian W Q Lou
- d Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Sau Po Center on Ageing , University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China
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