Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD) are one of the most rapidly growing epidemics that the world is facing. Caring for a person with ADRD is challenging and often causes informal caregivers stress, loneliness, and social isolation.
Purpose: The aim of this qualitative instrumental case study was to obtain a better understanding of how informal caregivers of persons with ADRD experience stress and which supports helped mitigate the effect of these stressors in their role as a caregiver.
Theoretical Framework: The Model of Human Occupation focuses on therapy helping persons to engage in occupational behaviors that maintain, restore, reorganize, or develop their capacity, motive, or lifestyle.
Methods: Semi-structured interview was used as the data collection tool to gain knowledge from the caregiver on how they experienced stress and what supports help to mitigate the effect of these stressors, as this was an effective way to gain the thoughts and concerns from this population.
Results: There were three participants that were interviewed for the study. Fourteen categories were identified by grouping the codes together and three themes developed from those categories. The three themes were Bad days are rough, little damper on everybody, and we try to keep normal.
Conclusions: The participants’ stressors were consistent with other studies that stated behaviors cause increased burden on caregivers. Although there are programs and assistance for caregivers, there is a deficit in caregivers’ referrals to resources and occupational therapy.
Faculty Mentor
Dana M. Howell, PhD, OTD, OTR/L
Department Affiliation
Occupational Therapy
Committee Member
Cassie Ginn, OTD, OTR/L
Department Affiliation
Occupational Therapy
Department Affiliation
Occupational Therapy
Copyright
2023 Kwandra A. Brinson
Recommended Citation
Brinson, Kwandra Andrews, "How do informal caregivers of a person with dementia experience stress and which supports help mitigate the effect of these stressors?" (2023). Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects. 111.
https://encompass.eku.edu/otdcapstones/111
IRB Approval Number (if applicable)
5073
