One-half of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia surveyed for a new caregiver study find an equal balance of positive and negative experiences in their caregiving. One-third (33 percent) say their caregiving experience is more positive than negative.
The 2011 report, “Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s or Dementia,” which was presented at a briefing on Capitol Hill today, examines both positive and negative feelings associated with caregiving for individuals with progressive deterioration of their abilities and faculties. Conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and sponsored by Pfizer Inc., the study found that:
When asked how they have been changed by their caregiving experience, 67 percent are more grateful, 60 percent are more accepting, 56 percent are more patient and 51 percent are more assertive.
Emotional stress appeared as one of the prevalent negative feelings associated with caregiving. In fact, 61 percent of caregivers reported feeling highly stressed. Forty (40) percent indicated feelings of guilt that they were not doing more to help their caree and 39 percent reported anger with themselves for becoming frustrated with their caree.
When looking at the initial signs of the disease, the study found that nine of 10 caregivers observed events and situations that led them to believe their caree probably had Alzheimer’s or dementia. Only three in 10 say a doctor’s examination or questioning was one of the events that initially contributed to their thought that Alzheimer’s or dementia was present (31 percent).
“I think that it’s revealing that 70 percent of family caregivers recognized the symptoms of Alzheimer’s on their own, without a doctor’s questioning,” says Gail Hunt, CEO and president of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “This shows me that the public is beginning to understand the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Primary care physicians may need more education to help in screening older patients.”
The study looked at the carees’ condition, diagnosis of the illness, actions taken and information sources used, the impact of the caregiving situation, profiles of caregivers and background on the caregiving situation. Results found that caregivers’ views of their situations were related to two factors: The stage of their caree’s illness and the choice they felt they had in assuming their caregiver role.
The “Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s or Dementia 2011” report is based on a quantitative survey of 1,000 family caregivers, age 18 or older, who provide unpaid care to an individual with Alzheimer’s, dementia or age-related mental confusion or forgetfulness. Respondents were screened to ensure their care recipient was at least 40 years old. The on-line questionnaire was fielded from September 14 to September 27, 2010. For more information about the report, visit Caregiving.org.
