Browsing by Subject "Grief"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Barriers and Facilitators of Health and Well-Being in Informal Caregivers of Dementia Patients: A Qualitative Study
    (MDPI, 2023-02-28) Duplantier, Sally C.; Williamson, Francesca A.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Background: Given the dramatic projected increase in Alzheimer's disease globally and the increased risk of morbidity and mortality for family caregivers of these patients, there is an urgent need to provide more targeted, timely resources to support the health and well-being of these informal caregivers. Few studies have investigated the barriers to health and well-being and potential strategies to facilitate better self-care from the unique perspective of the caregivers themselves. Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to health and well-being for informal caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight informal caregivers, including daughters, wives, and one husband, ages 32 to 83. Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, we identified three main themes and subthemes across caregivers' experiences. Findings: We found that caregivers (1) prioritized mental and social well-being over physical health or health behaviors; (2) characterized the subjective burden of caregiving as a "mantle of responsibility" that could not easily be shed due to the complex subjective burden of loss, grief, guilt, resentment, isolation, loneliness, and lack of agency; (3) sought to be recognized as "additional patients", instead of being viewed as invisible patients, with support services tailored to their life stage and challenges. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the subjective burden of strain experienced by family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients has a profound impact on their health and well-being, even more so than the objective burden of strain that is the result of their day-to-day caregiving activities.
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    Bereavement scheduling policy for emergency medicine residents: A descriptive pilot study
    (Wiley, 2024-07-10) Kelly, Timothy D.; de Venecia, Bryce T.; Pang, Peter S.; Turner, Joseph S.; Reed, Kyra D.; Pettit, Katie E.; Graduate Medical Education, School of Medicine
    Background: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has tasked residency programs to prioritize resident wellness, reduce trainee stress, and prevent burnout. Grief and bereavement can significantly impact residents' wellness during difficult clinical training schedules. There are no best practices on how to support residents during this time. Methods: In a split academic county emergency medicine (EM) residency, this pilot study documents a resident-driven change to scheduling practices for bereavement leave. An advisory group of residents, chief residents, and program directors informally polled peer institutions to develop bereavement leave guidelines. Considerations were made to balance resident wellness, education, and patient care in developing a bereavement scheduling policy. Results: The bereavement policy was adopted in January 2023, aiming to "support the resident during a difficult time and reduce concerns around shift coverage" following the death of a family member without impacting sick call. The number of covered days depended on the relationship of the resident to the deceased. Residents covering bereavement days for their peers were financially compensated. During the first 7 months following implementation, five residents utilized the policy. These residents noted this to be the most positive impact on the residency during the past year. Based on resident feedback, the scope was expanded to include grave medical illness of a family member as an implementation criterion. Conclusions: This article outlines the creation, implementation, and benefits of a bereavement scheduling policy within an EM residency. Describing this approach will provide guidance for other residencies to adopt similar wellness-focused strategies.
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    Food Is Love: Partnering With Families to Provide Nourishment at the End of Life
    (American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2020-06-01) Kaye, Erica C.; Kegel, Anna; Weber, Madeline; Cartwright, Carla; Spraker-Perlman, Holly; Robinson, Giles W.; Baker, Justin N.; Surgery, School of Medicine
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    The Role of Art Therapy in Hospice: An Understanding of the Grief Process for Caregivers
    (2014-05) Hearn, Katherine; King, Juliet
    The responsibilities of caregiving create enormous pressures and risks for caregivers. Burnout, compromised health, depression, and depletion of financial resources are a reality of daily life for millions of Americans who are caregiving for a loved one (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2011). Family caregivers will increasingly provide care for aging parents or family members as the population of Americans over 65 rapidly increases (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2011). In addition to aging adults, other individuals in hospice care will require a caregiver for daily needs. In order to maintain the important role they play, caregivers’ experiences must be examined so that appropriate support for their quality of life can be provided (American Hospital Association, 2007). A systematic study of the existing literature on grief and art therapy in the hospice setting was undertaken over a nine month period. An 8 week program was developed from the resulting data that offers group art therapy to caregivers within the hospice setting. The program was designed to assist caregivers in their journey of grief and provide a group framework for learning self-care strategies for mental and physical well-being. It was hypothesized that art therapy can potentially benefit the caregiver allowing them to provide proper care to the patient and explore their own grief process after the patient has passed. Using art therapy interventions, the proposed group can be utilized or implemented by a trained art therapist to help explore the dynamics of grief through creative process and discussion. The support from art therapy groups for caregivers is intended to result in a positive reflection of self- expression and self-awareness so that the individual can continue to live meaningfully after their loved one has passed.