Proven Benefits for Family Caregivers
Benefits of Powerful Tools for Caregivers have been carefully documented by means of surveys completed by family caregivers. Table 1 below includes selected characteristics of the first 168 family caregivers who evaluated the effects of their participation by means of surveys completed before and after participation. Nearly four out of 10 family caregivers report being employed full- or part- time. Nearly nine out of 10 family caregivers report caring for someone with memory loss.
Tables 2 and 3, shown below, summarize the positive impact of this education program with respect to specific outcomes. Overall, family caregivers report significant positive changes in their attitudes and behaviors. For instance, depression scores decrease; self-confidence scores increase; negative reactions to memory and behavior changes decrease; and the number of hours that caregivers spend in relaxation and exercise activities increase.
It is clear that Powerful Tools for Caregivers improves the well-being of family caregivers through the principles and practice of self-care. In doing so, their care-receivers benefit too.
Table 1. Characteristics of Family Caregivers (N=168)
Female Gender |
89% |
Marital Status |
|
Married |
75% |
Never Married |
11% |
Divorced, Widowed, Separated |
14% |
Mean Age |
60 years |
Relationship to Care Receiver |
|
Adult child or in-law |
61% |
Spouse |
29% |
Other |
10% |
Number of Years Providing Care
|
|
Less than 4 |
63% |
5-10 |
20% |
More than 10 |
17% |
Employment Status |
|
Unemployed or retired |
60% |
Full-time or part-time |
39% |
Never worked outside home |
1% |
Table 2. Findings as Reported by Caregivers:
Comparison of Baseline to Post Participation
Scale or Subscales
|
Total Sample
(N=168) |
Competence/Confidence in Caregiving
e.g.- “I’ve learned to manage my stress.”
|
Major Improvement
|
Confidence in getting family/friends to help with things you need
|
Improvement
|
Confidence in getting family/friends to stay with your relatives for a few hours
|
Improvement
|
Depressive Symptoms
e.g.- “I felt depressed over the past week.”
|
Improvement
|
Reactions to Memory and Behavior Problems e.g.- Upset level when your family member asks you the same question over and over again.
|
Improvement
|
Table 3. More Findings Reported by Caregivers:
Comparison of Baseline to Post Participation
Scale or Subscales
|
Total Sample
(N=168) |
Makes Time for Self
e.g.- “I tend to neglect my personal needs.”
|
Improvement
|
Vitality e.g.- In the past week, did you feel full of life?
|
Improvement
|
Number of Relaxation Activities
e.g.- reading, prayer, sports, deep breathing
|
Improvement
|
Time Spent in Relaxation Activities
e.g.- reading, prayer, sports, deep breathing
|
Of those who reported 0 to 1 hour at baseline, 71% reported increase.
|
Time Spent Exercising
|
Of those who reported 0 to 1 hour at baseline, 43% reported increase.
|
