Primary studies included in this systematic review

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Primary study

Unclassified

In-home respite intervention reduces plasma epinephrine in stressed Alzheimer caregivers.

Journal The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
Year 2003
Links Pubmed

This article is included in 2 Systematic reviews Systematic reviews (2 references)

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OBJECTIVE: Some excess morbidity and mortality in Alzheimer caregivers (CGs) may be related to chronic activation of the sympatho-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system. Authors tested the efficacy of an in-home respite intervention to reduce peripheral markers of SAM activation and psychological distress in spousal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease. METHODS: Caregivers were classified as Vulnerable (n = 27) or Non-Vulnerable (n = 28). Vulnerable CGs were those with a severe mismatch between caregiving demand and help received in the preceding 6 months. CGs had plasma catecholamine levels sampled at rest and in response to a stressor (speech task) before and 1 month after a 2-week in-home respite intervention. Self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were also obtained. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed a group x treatment interaction: At the 1-month follow-up, plasma epinephrine declined significantly in the vulnerable caregivers who received respite, but rose in those who were wait-listed. No effect was found for norepinephrine, heart rate, blood pressure, or psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that an in-home respite program may reduce SAM activation independent of psychological symptoms. To the extent that sympathetic activation mediates pathophysiological events, these results suggest an approach that may reduce morbidity and mortality in certain caregivers.

Primary study

Unclassified

"Special steps": an effective visiting/walking program for persons with cognitive impairment.

Journal The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmières
Year 2000
Links Pubmed

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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A program for elderly persons with cognitive impairment and their caregivers was evaluated for its effectiveness and efficiency with regard to caregiver burden, sense of coherence, satisfaction, and cost to the health-care system. The program consisted of a weekly 2-hour visit and walk by volunteers. During a 9-month period in 1997, all eligible referrals were randomly assigned to receive the service immediately (experimental group) or be placed on a waiting list to receive it 6 weeks later (control group). Eleven caregivers/recipients formed the experimental group; 10 caregivers/recipients formed the control group. All completed questionnaires at randomization and at 6-week follow-up. Perceived burden decreased by 8% only for the caregivers in the experimental group (F = 6.8, p = .02). They indicated that they appreciated the respite and support and that the care recipient enjoyed the visit/walk. Although this study was short in duration and small in sample size, improvements were noted in perceived caregiver burden and caregivers expressed satisfaction with the program. The program did not result in additional health and social-service expenditures.

Primary study

Unclassified

Respite for caregivers of Alzheimer patients: research and practice

blocked
Journal
Year 1991
Links Google Books

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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Primary study

Unclassified

A controlled study of respite service for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.

Journal The Gerontologist
Year 1989
Links Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 4 Systematic reviews Systematic reviews (4 references)

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After a baseline interview of 642 caregivers of aged Alzheimer's disease victims, half were offered formal respite care. Over 12 months, families with respite care maintained their impaired relative significantly longer in the community (22 days). Although respite was ineffective for caregiver burden and mental health, satisfaction was very high. Although not a strong intervention, respite care can increase caregivers' quality of life.

Primary study

Unclassified

Respite services for caregivers: research findings for service planning.

Journal Home health care services quarterly
Year 1989
Links Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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A demonstration respite project for caregivers of older people with Alzheimer's disease was evaluated by a randomized experiment. Three hundred and sixteen volunteer primary caregivers were offered respite services and 315 completed the research portion without the offer of respite. The research indicated that even before the demonstration most families had some respite help in place. Of all those offered respite, 58% availed themselves of the offer. During the project year experimental and control subjects were equal in using slightly more services and there was no evidence that formal services had substituted for informal.