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Enhancing carers' experiences of mental health services

This article suggests that relational approaches and carer-centred practice in mental health and other services might alleviate some of the burden on the health – both physical and mental – experienced by informal carers. Unhelpful staff attitudes and poor communication are barriers to effective engagement between professionals and carers.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

Moving toward Medicare home health coverage for people with Alzheimer’s disease

Medicare home health care policy does not incorporate research evidence of effective palliative home care interventions for Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients and caregivers. This article examines the dissonance between the needs and burdens of Alzheimer's disease patients and caregivers, research results on medical and palliative care interventions, and medicalized public policy in the Medicare home health benefit.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

Who cares wins? Carers' experiences of assessment since the introduction of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004

This paper examines the views of carers who have received a carer’s assessment following the introduction of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004. The Act ensured for the first time that a carer’s desire to take part in paid work, education or training, and leisure opportunities was considered. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with carers to illuminate their lived experiences.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

Respite care for caregivers and people with severe mental illness: literature review

Aim.  The aim of this study was to review research literature over the past 10 years on respite care for people affected by severe mental illness; and identify key implications for nursing practice in provision of respite care for family caregivers of people with severe mental illness.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

Supported housing for people with Down's syndrome

There has been limited research on the attitudes of family carers and the part they play in helping people with a learning disability choose accommodation. A postal questionnaire was sent to family carers of people with Down's Syndrome, to identify their attitudes to supported living, their experience of the application process, and the support they provided to residents. It was found that main family carers of people with Down's Syndrome in supported living were generally satisfied with the housing and support provided, particularly with respect to activities of daily living.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

A place for support: new policies for informal carers in long-term programmes

Reviews policy trends for informal carers which have been implemented in various countries between 1996 - 1998. The article focuses on respite care and direct payments for carers of older ill and disabled adults.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

One of our own kind: carer liaison at work

Joanne Schofield and Jack Buckley Mellor explain the value of having a carer available to offer support to other carers with relatives on a continuing care ward

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

The experience of caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorder (ADRD) living at home among a diverse sample of 103 family caregivers. The study involved secondary analysis of in-depth transcribed interview data using van Kaam’s rigorous four phase, 12-step psychophenomenological method. A total of 2,115 descriptive expressions were categorized into 38 preliminary structural elements. Eight essential structural elements emerged from an analysis of the preliminary structural elements.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

Evidence in policy and practice: what kinds of research designs?

Summary: Over-generalization of the ‘effectiveness hierarchy’, and echoes of past paradigm wars about methodology, persist in generating conflicting judgements about the value of different research designs for evidence-based practice. A range of ways in which the worth of research is actually judged, and might be judged, are elaborated.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

Pre-menstrual syndrome in women with Down Syndrome

Background  Prevalence of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) may be higher in women with Down syndrome due to syndrome specific characteristics in biochemistry, psychopathology and lifestyle. Recognition of PMS may be difficult for women with intellectual disabilities and their carers.

Method  A daily diary, used to diagnose PMS with typical women, was adapted. Following its validation, the diary was completed by 33 women with Down syndrome, then adapted, and completed by a further 32 women with Down syndrome/carers.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09