Cathleen Connell - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Cathleen Connell
Springer eBooks, Mar 1, 2018
Innovation in Aging
This research is to assess the impact of dementia on healthcare use and economic status over the ... more This research is to assess the impact of dementia on healthcare use and economic status over the course of dementia. We used a nationally representative, longitudinal study of older adults, specifying two propensity-score matched samples: 1) 3,476 adults aged 55+ at baseline who would have dementia in two years (hereafter “dementia group”), and 2) 3,476 adults who had never transitioned to dementia but had similar baseline sociodemographic and health status (hereafter “control group”). In two-year follow-up, the total care hours from unpaid helpers (44 hours per month vs. 20) and other in-home medical care (24% vs. 15%) were substantially higher with vs. without dementia. In the dementia group, the percentage of using nursing homes increased from 4% at the baseline to 27% at 8-year follow-up, compared to the increase from 3% to 10% in the control group. There was little change in OOP costs in the control group but a substantial increase in the dementia group over time (from $4,443 a...
Innovation in Aging
This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., incre... more This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., increased support from family and friends, difficulty accessing respite care, confusion on public health guidelines) and associations with stress and well-being among 100 family caregivers for persons living with dementia interviewed in 2021. Pandemic care challenges were common- 52% reported a decrease in support from family and friends, 43% had difficulty accessing medical care, and 31% had difficulty getting needed in-home and out-of-home services. Accounting for demographics and the care context, difficulties accessing various types of respite care (e.g., paid respite care, respite from family/friends) were associated with caregiver stress, burden, and less positive affect. Pandemic supports, including increased support from family and friends and receiving information on COVID-care were associated with greater positive affect, but not caregiver stress. While care-supports enhanced well-b...
Social Work in Health Care
Innovation in Aging, 2021
The dynamics between formal and informal care among persons with a disability may substantially d... more The dynamics between formal and informal care among persons with a disability may substantially differ over the course of their cognitive decline. Based on a nationally representative study of older adults, the analysis sample included 3,685 individuals who had at least one activity of daily living (ADL) limitation. We estimated probabilities of using formal care and informal care in the years before and over the course of dementia after controlling for sociodemographic factors, survey mode, and proxy interview status. The adjusted probability of receiving care from an informal helper increased before the onset of dementia: 36% in 4 years prior to the onset (T=-4); 46% at T=-2. In contrast, the increase in the probability of using formal care was pronounced primarily at the onset of dementia; for example, the probability of overnight nursing home stay was 12% at T=-2 vs. 31% at T=0, which continued to increase over the subsequent years (39% at T=6). The probability of using nursing ...
Innovation in Aging, 2021
While Stress Process Models of family caregiving have been examined extensively, little focus has... more While Stress Process Models of family caregiving have been examined extensively, little focus has been placed on caregiver’s actual management of care. We consider whether caregiving style classified previously through k-modes machine learning models and based on cognitive-behavioral approaches to care impact caregivers’ experiences of care-related stress and well-being. The three previously identified styles include: Adapters- strong dementia understanding and adaptability, encouraging behavioral approach; Managers- poor dementia understanding and adaptability, critical behavioral approach; and Avoiders- moderate dementia understanding and adaptability, passive behavioral approach. Participants included 100 primary family caregivers for PWDs who were on average 64 years old, 74% female, and 18% non-White. Utilizing linear regressions, each caregiving style was considered a key predictor (reference: Adapters) of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Caregiver Assessment of Function and ...
Innovation in Aging, 2021
Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast... more Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast majority in need do not receive formal mental health services. In this study, we adapted Mood Lifters—a peer-led, community-based program promoting mental well-being—to address the unique needs of older adults. The 14 weekly program sessions were delivered via Zoom. Twelve older adults (mean age = 69.7 years; 4 men, 8 women) enrolled; 9 completed the program (2 of 3 dropouts were due to health issues). A battery of validated measures administered within one week before and after the program assessed domains including depression and anxiety, stress management, and health behaviors. Compared to baseline, participants who completed the program showed significant improvements in perceived stress (p=0.03), sleep quality (p=0.02), and emotion regulation via cognitive reappraisal (p=0.06). Depression and anxiety symptoms (assessed by the Geriatric Depression and Anxiety Scales, respectively) w...
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 2019
Background Few published studies report lessons learned for recruiting older adults from racial/e... more Background Few published studies report lessons learned for recruiting older adults from racial/ethnic minority, low SES communities for behavioral interventions. In this article, we describe recruitment processes and results for Take Heart, a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of an adapted heart disease self-management program for primarily African American, urban, low SES adults 50 years or older living in Detroit. Methods Older adults were recruited via community-based (CB), electronic medical record (EMR), and in-person hospital clinic (HC) methods. Recruitment processes, demographic characteristics of enrolled participants, yield and cost, lessons learned, and best practices for each method are described. Results Within 22 months, 1,478 potential participants were identified, 1,223 were contacted and 453 enrolled, resulting in an overall recruitment yield of 37%. The CB method had the highest yield at 49%, followed by HC at 36% and EMR at 16%. Of six CB appr...
Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, Jan 21, 2015
Optimal treatment decisions for older end-stage cancer patients are complicated, and are influenc... more Optimal treatment decisions for older end-stage cancer patients are complicated, and are influenced by oncologists' attitudes and beliefs about older patients. Nevertheless, few studies have explored oncologists' perspectives on how patient age affects their treatment decisions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 oncologists to examine factors that influence their chemotherapy decisions for adults with incurable cancer near death. Transcripts of recorded interviews were coded and content analyzed. Oncologists identified patient age as a key factor in their chemotherapy decisions. They believed older adults were less likely to want or tolerate treatment, and felt highly motivated to treat younger patients. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews resulted in a nuanced understanding of how patient age influences oncologists' chemotherapy decisions. Such understanding may inform practice efforts aimed at enhancing cancer care at the end of life for older patients.
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 1996
The Community Outreach Education Program (COEP) was designed to provide educational interventions... more The Community Outreach Education Program (COEP) was designed to provide educational interventions to disseminate information about the diagnosis, assessment, management, and treatment of dementia to health care professionals, service providers, staff of volunteer and community organizations and family caregivers. The present study describes one component of the needs assessment phase of the COEP-focus group interviews conducted with family caregivers and service providers. The predominant themes identified included myths and misconceptions about dementia, barriers to effective service delivery, and community strengths. The results were used to inform the curriculum and format of the community-based dementia education interventions designed for four sites in rural Michigan.
Innovation in Aging, Dec 1, 2021
Despite heavy burdens and responsibilities, some caregivers are more likely to cope better with t... more Despite heavy burdens and responsibilities, some caregivers are more likely to cope better with their care responsibilities than others, and this could vary by cultural beliefs and norms on caregiving. This study examined contributing factors of resilience with three racial-ethnic groups (White, Blacks, Hispanic). A total of 2,652 caregivers were included from Round 7 of the National Study of Caregiving. Caregiving resilience was defined by higher levels of care demands and higher levels of psychological well-being. Five domains of contributing factors were included: socio-demographic characteristics, context of care, caregivers' psychological attributes, informal and formal support. Multiple logistic regressions showed that caregivers with higher psychological attribute levels were more likely to be resilient in all three groups. However, unique predictors have also been observed by race-ethnic groups (e.g., Blacks using formal support were more resilient). These findings suggest the need for culturally specific programs to facilitate resilience among caregivers.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2009
One hundred seventy-eight family members of people with AD, including current and former AD careg... more One hundred seventy-eight family members of people with AD, including current and former AD caregivers and immediate blood relatives of someone with AD. MEASUREMENTS: Respondents were asked to rate the importance of eight benefits of and 16 barriers to obtaining a diagnosis. RESULTS: Family members strongly endorse several benefits of obtaining a diagnosis, including getting information, finding out what is wrong with their relative, and prompting future planning. A majority of survey respondents did not endorse any barriers examined. Lack of a cure for AD and the belief that little can be done for someone with AD were the most frequently endorsed barriers. Black respondents endorsed five of the eight benefits more frequently than white respondents. CONCLUSION: Black and white adults with a family member who has received an diagnosis of AD perceive a range of benefits and few barriers to the diagnostic process examined in this study. Their positive experiences might be instructive to families considering pursuing a diagnosis and to physicians who may be reluctant to offer screening or referral because of the belief that families have little to gain.
Innovation in Aging
This research is to provide national estimates of spouse and adult child availability to care for... more This research is to provide national estimates of spouse and adult child availability to care for adults 55+ with dementia and to examine associations between availability and formal and informal care utilization. Only 23% of adults with dementia had a non-disabled spouse; 66% had an adult child living less than 10 miles away. Substantial variations in family availability were discovered across demographic and socioeconomic groups. For example, 29% of non-Hispanic blacks vs. about 40% of other racial/ethnic groups (OR=0.63; p<0.001) had a spouse. Only 16% of the bottom wealth quartile had a spouse compared to 61% of the top quartile (OR=0.13; p<0.001). In contrast, the greater share of non-Hispanic blacks than non-Hispanic whites had a coresident adult child (OR=2.07; p<0.001) and a non-employed adult child (OR=1.45; p<0.001). Hispanics had the most family availability from both spouse and child. Having a spouse was significantly associated with a lower probability of re...
Innovation in Aging
Nurses and social workers in acute care settings have unique perspectives about providing care to... more Nurses and social workers in acute care settings have unique perspectives about providing care to persons living with dementia (PLwD) who experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Their distinctive roles and training have important implications for the recovery and well-being of PLwDs during hospital stays. This study utilized the "rigorous and accelerated data reduction" (RADaR) technique to compare perspectives of social workers (n=12) and nurses (n=5) in a Midwestern tertiary care facility about their caring for PLwds with BPSD. Three major themes were identified: 1) patient engagement and coordination with family and professionals, 2) treatment and medical management, and 3) barriers to care. Similarities between social workers and nurses emerged within the themes, including the importance of family involvement and providing person centered care. Differences emerged particularly within the treatment and medical management theme, as nurses uti...
ISEE Conference Abstracts
Background and Aims: Some studies suggest that social disadvantage may potentiate the effects of ... more Background and Aims: Some studies suggest that social disadvantage may potentiate the effects of environmental exposures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that socioeconomic status (SES) and r...
Innovation in Aging
Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast... more Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast majority in need do not receive formal mental health services. In this study, we adapted Mood Lifters—a peer-led, community-based program promoting mental well-being—to address the unique needs of older adults. The 14 weekly program sessions were delivered via Zoom. Twelve older adults (mean age = 69.7 years; 4 men, 8 women) enrolled; 9 completed the program (2 of 3 dropouts were due to health issues). A battery of validated measures administered within one week before and after the program assessed domains including depression and anxiety, stress management, and health behaviors. Compared to baseline, participants who completed the program showed significant improvements in perceived stress (p=0.03), sleep quality (p=0.02), and emotion regulation via cognitive reappraisal (p=0.06). Depression and anxiety symptoms (assessed by the Geriatric Depression and Anxiety Scales, respectively) w...
The Handbook of Health Behavior Change
Innovation in Aging
The nature of dementia care provided by social workers across various hospital settings is unexpl... more The nature of dementia care provided by social workers across various hospital settings is unexplored. This study utilized the “rigorous and accelerated data reduction” (RADaR) qualitative analysis technique to explore the process of care among social workers for persons with dementia (PWDs) across a Midwestern tertiary care system with two aims: 1) to identify environmental barriers and supports to quality dementia care in two hospital settings (medical and psychiatric emergency departments (ED), and the main inpatient hospital (IP)), and 2) to identify existing strengths and challenges to high quality social work dementia care within these settings. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive, snowball sample of social workers in dementia care in a large, academic health care system in 2016. Results identify environmental barriers in both settings (physical space design, patient-environment interactions, safety, and discharge disposition). Environmental aspects t...
Innovation in Aging
Building vertically upon the Stress Process Model, dementia caregivers’ cognitive-behavioral mana... more Building vertically upon the Stress Process Model, dementia caregivers’ cognitive-behavioral management styles are an understudied area with implications for dyadic care outcomes and tailoring of care interventions. We consider whether membership in five previously classified caregiving styles (Externalizers, Individualists, Learners, Adapters, Nurturers- which vary in their adaptability, dementia understanding, and behavioral management practices) impacts caregivers’ experiences of care-related stress and the quality of life of the person with dementia (PWD). Participants included 100 primary family caregivers for PWDs who were 74% female, 18% non-White, and on average 64 years old. Utilizing linear regressions, each caregiving style was considered as a key predictor (reference: Externalizers- poor understanding, non-adaptable approach, and punitive behavioral strategies) of the Caregiver Assessment of Function and Upset (CAFU) upset score, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-C) distre...
Springer eBooks, Mar 1, 2018
Innovation in Aging
This research is to assess the impact of dementia on healthcare use and economic status over the ... more This research is to assess the impact of dementia on healthcare use and economic status over the course of dementia. We used a nationally representative, longitudinal study of older adults, specifying two propensity-score matched samples: 1) 3,476 adults aged 55+ at baseline who would have dementia in two years (hereafter “dementia group”), and 2) 3,476 adults who had never transitioned to dementia but had similar baseline sociodemographic and health status (hereafter “control group”). In two-year follow-up, the total care hours from unpaid helpers (44 hours per month vs. 20) and other in-home medical care (24% vs. 15%) were substantially higher with vs. without dementia. In the dementia group, the percentage of using nursing homes increased from 4% at the baseline to 27% at 8-year follow-up, compared to the increase from 3% to 10% in the control group. There was little change in OOP costs in the control group but a substantial increase in the dementia group over time (from $4,443 a...
Innovation in Aging
This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., incre... more This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., increased support from family and friends, difficulty accessing respite care, confusion on public health guidelines) and associations with stress and well-being among 100 family caregivers for persons living with dementia interviewed in 2021. Pandemic care challenges were common- 52% reported a decrease in support from family and friends, 43% had difficulty accessing medical care, and 31% had difficulty getting needed in-home and out-of-home services. Accounting for demographics and the care context, difficulties accessing various types of respite care (e.g., paid respite care, respite from family/friends) were associated with caregiver stress, burden, and less positive affect. Pandemic supports, including increased support from family and friends and receiving information on COVID-care were associated with greater positive affect, but not caregiver stress. While care-supports enhanced well-b...
Social Work in Health Care
Innovation in Aging, 2021
The dynamics between formal and informal care among persons with a disability may substantially d... more The dynamics between formal and informal care among persons with a disability may substantially differ over the course of their cognitive decline. Based on a nationally representative study of older adults, the analysis sample included 3,685 individuals who had at least one activity of daily living (ADL) limitation. We estimated probabilities of using formal care and informal care in the years before and over the course of dementia after controlling for sociodemographic factors, survey mode, and proxy interview status. The adjusted probability of receiving care from an informal helper increased before the onset of dementia: 36% in 4 years prior to the onset (T=-4); 46% at T=-2. In contrast, the increase in the probability of using formal care was pronounced primarily at the onset of dementia; for example, the probability of overnight nursing home stay was 12% at T=-2 vs. 31% at T=0, which continued to increase over the subsequent years (39% at T=6). The probability of using nursing ...
Innovation in Aging, 2021
While Stress Process Models of family caregiving have been examined extensively, little focus has... more While Stress Process Models of family caregiving have been examined extensively, little focus has been placed on caregiver’s actual management of care. We consider whether caregiving style classified previously through k-modes machine learning models and based on cognitive-behavioral approaches to care impact caregivers’ experiences of care-related stress and well-being. The three previously identified styles include: Adapters- strong dementia understanding and adaptability, encouraging behavioral approach; Managers- poor dementia understanding and adaptability, critical behavioral approach; and Avoiders- moderate dementia understanding and adaptability, passive behavioral approach. Participants included 100 primary family caregivers for PWDs who were on average 64 years old, 74% female, and 18% non-White. Utilizing linear regressions, each caregiving style was considered a key predictor (reference: Adapters) of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Caregiver Assessment of Function and ...
Innovation in Aging, 2021
Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast... more Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast majority in need do not receive formal mental health services. In this study, we adapted Mood Lifters—a peer-led, community-based program promoting mental well-being—to address the unique needs of older adults. The 14 weekly program sessions were delivered via Zoom. Twelve older adults (mean age = 69.7 years; 4 men, 8 women) enrolled; 9 completed the program (2 of 3 dropouts were due to health issues). A battery of validated measures administered within one week before and after the program assessed domains including depression and anxiety, stress management, and health behaviors. Compared to baseline, participants who completed the program showed significant improvements in perceived stress (p=0.03), sleep quality (p=0.02), and emotion regulation via cognitive reappraisal (p=0.06). Depression and anxiety symptoms (assessed by the Geriatric Depression and Anxiety Scales, respectively) w...
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 2019
Background Few published studies report lessons learned for recruiting older adults from racial/e... more Background Few published studies report lessons learned for recruiting older adults from racial/ethnic minority, low SES communities for behavioral interventions. In this article, we describe recruitment processes and results for Take Heart, a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of an adapted heart disease self-management program for primarily African American, urban, low SES adults 50 years or older living in Detroit. Methods Older adults were recruited via community-based (CB), electronic medical record (EMR), and in-person hospital clinic (HC) methods. Recruitment processes, demographic characteristics of enrolled participants, yield and cost, lessons learned, and best practices for each method are described. Results Within 22 months, 1,478 potential participants were identified, 1,223 were contacted and 453 enrolled, resulting in an overall recruitment yield of 37%. The CB method had the highest yield at 49%, followed by HC at 36% and EMR at 16%. Of six CB appr...
Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, Jan 21, 2015
Optimal treatment decisions for older end-stage cancer patients are complicated, and are influenc... more Optimal treatment decisions for older end-stage cancer patients are complicated, and are influenced by oncologists' attitudes and beliefs about older patients. Nevertheless, few studies have explored oncologists' perspectives on how patient age affects their treatment decisions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 oncologists to examine factors that influence their chemotherapy decisions for adults with incurable cancer near death. Transcripts of recorded interviews were coded and content analyzed. Oncologists identified patient age as a key factor in their chemotherapy decisions. They believed older adults were less likely to want or tolerate treatment, and felt highly motivated to treat younger patients. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews resulted in a nuanced understanding of how patient age influences oncologists' chemotherapy decisions. Such understanding may inform practice efforts aimed at enhancing cancer care at the end of life for older patients.
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 1996
The Community Outreach Education Program (COEP) was designed to provide educational interventions... more The Community Outreach Education Program (COEP) was designed to provide educational interventions to disseminate information about the diagnosis, assessment, management, and treatment of dementia to health care professionals, service providers, staff of volunteer and community organizations and family caregivers. The present study describes one component of the needs assessment phase of the COEP-focus group interviews conducted with family caregivers and service providers. The predominant themes identified included myths and misconceptions about dementia, barriers to effective service delivery, and community strengths. The results were used to inform the curriculum and format of the community-based dementia education interventions designed for four sites in rural Michigan.
Innovation in Aging, Dec 1, 2021
Despite heavy burdens and responsibilities, some caregivers are more likely to cope better with t... more Despite heavy burdens and responsibilities, some caregivers are more likely to cope better with their care responsibilities than others, and this could vary by cultural beliefs and norms on caregiving. This study examined contributing factors of resilience with three racial-ethnic groups (White, Blacks, Hispanic). A total of 2,652 caregivers were included from Round 7 of the National Study of Caregiving. Caregiving resilience was defined by higher levels of care demands and higher levels of psychological well-being. Five domains of contributing factors were included: socio-demographic characteristics, context of care, caregivers' psychological attributes, informal and formal support. Multiple logistic regressions showed that caregivers with higher psychological attribute levels were more likely to be resilient in all three groups. However, unique predictors have also been observed by race-ethnic groups (e.g., Blacks using formal support were more resilient). These findings suggest the need for culturally specific programs to facilitate resilience among caregivers.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2009
One hundred seventy-eight family members of people with AD, including current and former AD careg... more One hundred seventy-eight family members of people with AD, including current and former AD caregivers and immediate blood relatives of someone with AD. MEASUREMENTS: Respondents were asked to rate the importance of eight benefits of and 16 barriers to obtaining a diagnosis. RESULTS: Family members strongly endorse several benefits of obtaining a diagnosis, including getting information, finding out what is wrong with their relative, and prompting future planning. A majority of survey respondents did not endorse any barriers examined. Lack of a cure for AD and the belief that little can be done for someone with AD were the most frequently endorsed barriers. Black respondents endorsed five of the eight benefits more frequently than white respondents. CONCLUSION: Black and white adults with a family member who has received an diagnosis of AD perceive a range of benefits and few barriers to the diagnostic process examined in this study. Their positive experiences might be instructive to families considering pursuing a diagnosis and to physicians who may be reluctant to offer screening or referral because of the belief that families have little to gain.
Innovation in Aging
This research is to provide national estimates of spouse and adult child availability to care for... more This research is to provide national estimates of spouse and adult child availability to care for adults 55+ with dementia and to examine associations between availability and formal and informal care utilization. Only 23% of adults with dementia had a non-disabled spouse; 66% had an adult child living less than 10 miles away. Substantial variations in family availability were discovered across demographic and socioeconomic groups. For example, 29% of non-Hispanic blacks vs. about 40% of other racial/ethnic groups (OR=0.63; p<0.001) had a spouse. Only 16% of the bottom wealth quartile had a spouse compared to 61% of the top quartile (OR=0.13; p<0.001). In contrast, the greater share of non-Hispanic blacks than non-Hispanic whites had a coresident adult child (OR=2.07; p<0.001) and a non-employed adult child (OR=1.45; p<0.001). Hispanics had the most family availability from both spouse and child. Having a spouse was significantly associated with a lower probability of re...
Innovation in Aging
Nurses and social workers in acute care settings have unique perspectives about providing care to... more Nurses and social workers in acute care settings have unique perspectives about providing care to persons living with dementia (PLwD) who experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Their distinctive roles and training have important implications for the recovery and well-being of PLwDs during hospital stays. This study utilized the "rigorous and accelerated data reduction" (RADaR) technique to compare perspectives of social workers (n=12) and nurses (n=5) in a Midwestern tertiary care facility about their caring for PLwds with BPSD. Three major themes were identified: 1) patient engagement and coordination with family and professionals, 2) treatment and medical management, and 3) barriers to care. Similarities between social workers and nurses emerged within the themes, including the importance of family involvement and providing person centered care. Differences emerged particularly within the treatment and medical management theme, as nurses uti...
ISEE Conference Abstracts
Background and Aims: Some studies suggest that social disadvantage may potentiate the effects of ... more Background and Aims: Some studies suggest that social disadvantage may potentiate the effects of environmental exposures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that socioeconomic status (SES) and r...
Innovation in Aging
Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast... more Effective and scalable mental health programs are greatly needed for older adults, given the vast majority in need do not receive formal mental health services. In this study, we adapted Mood Lifters—a peer-led, community-based program promoting mental well-being—to address the unique needs of older adults. The 14 weekly program sessions were delivered via Zoom. Twelve older adults (mean age = 69.7 years; 4 men, 8 women) enrolled; 9 completed the program (2 of 3 dropouts were due to health issues). A battery of validated measures administered within one week before and after the program assessed domains including depression and anxiety, stress management, and health behaviors. Compared to baseline, participants who completed the program showed significant improvements in perceived stress (p=0.03), sleep quality (p=0.02), and emotion regulation via cognitive reappraisal (p=0.06). Depression and anxiety symptoms (assessed by the Geriatric Depression and Anxiety Scales, respectively) w...
The Handbook of Health Behavior Change
Innovation in Aging
The nature of dementia care provided by social workers across various hospital settings is unexpl... more The nature of dementia care provided by social workers across various hospital settings is unexplored. This study utilized the “rigorous and accelerated data reduction” (RADaR) qualitative analysis technique to explore the process of care among social workers for persons with dementia (PWDs) across a Midwestern tertiary care system with two aims: 1) to identify environmental barriers and supports to quality dementia care in two hospital settings (medical and psychiatric emergency departments (ED), and the main inpatient hospital (IP)), and 2) to identify existing strengths and challenges to high quality social work dementia care within these settings. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive, snowball sample of social workers in dementia care in a large, academic health care system in 2016. Results identify environmental barriers in both settings (physical space design, patient-environment interactions, safety, and discharge disposition). Environmental aspects t...
Innovation in Aging
Building vertically upon the Stress Process Model, dementia caregivers’ cognitive-behavioral mana... more Building vertically upon the Stress Process Model, dementia caregivers’ cognitive-behavioral management styles are an understudied area with implications for dyadic care outcomes and tailoring of care interventions. We consider whether membership in five previously classified caregiving styles (Externalizers, Individualists, Learners, Adapters, Nurturers- which vary in their adaptability, dementia understanding, and behavioral management practices) impacts caregivers’ experiences of care-related stress and the quality of life of the person with dementia (PWD). Participants included 100 primary family caregivers for PWDs who were 74% female, 18% non-White, and on average 64 years old. Utilizing linear regressions, each caregiving style was considered as a key predictor (reference: Externalizers- poor understanding, non-adaptable approach, and punitive behavioral strategies) of the Caregiver Assessment of Function and Upset (CAFU) upset score, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-C) distre...