Articles tagged with Caregivers
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that depression in adult caregivers is mostly driven by having a loved one experiencing serious health problems. Conversely, becoming a caregiver was associated with fewer symptoms of depression. The research suggests that caregiving may have a protective effect on mental health.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
A recent study from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions aimed to understand the challenges and supports affecting individuals with GI cancer and their caregivers when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding malnutrition. The research highlighted the importance of creating dietary interventions that...
The UofL School of Nursing will develop an accelerated LPN-to-BSN pathway and increase nurse practitioner diversity to address Kentucky's healthcare shortage. The grants will support scholarships for up to 83 students and collaborate with health systems across the state.
A UK national long-term study of babies found that primary caregivers engage in physical and turn-taking play with their little ones several times a day, activities linked to early language development. Despite added pressure on today's families, parents are creating a healthy home learning environment for their children.
Researchers found that early skin-to-skin contact with parents significantly improves premature babies' social skills at four months old. The study also showed that fathers play a more important role than previously thought in developing their infants' social skills.
Research reveals that brain inflammation is the primary cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, including irritability, agitation, and anxiety. The study found a strong association between microglial activation and neuropsychiatric symptom severity, suggesting new pathways for therapy development.
Researchers from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre conducted a study on patients who choose to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) to hasten death. They identified three distinct groups: older patients seeking control over their lives, care-dependent patients with poor quality of life, and younger psychiatric patients. Th...
A new study by the University of Plymouth reveals that chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective at killing off hospital superbugs than water. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to tackle Clostridioides difficile, which causes diarrhoea, colitis and other bowel complications globally.
A comprehensive meta-analysis led by Dr. Micheal Sandbank reveals that many low-quality studies are driving intervention recommendations and patient outcomes in early childhood autism care. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research to understand the positive and negative effects of various interventions.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
Research with contemporary hunter-gatherer societies found infants receive attentive care from up to 15 different caregivers for about nine hours a day. High levels of sensitive care and personal attention are crucial for mother and child wellbeing, supporting maternal care and reducing risks of neglect and abuse.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that caregiving is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Caregiving was also linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The association did not vary by age, race-ethnicity, or other factors.
A study found that gastrointestinal and sleep issues may be connected to self-injury and aggression in adolescents diagnosed with profound autism. The researchers discovered a possible connection between these health issues and future challenging behaviors, predicting next-day behavior with over 80% accuracy.
Research highlights the importance of supporting family members after cardiac arrest, finding that they face significant emotional, physical, and informational challenges. Studies such as TEMPO found that informational resources improve caregiver knowledge and decision-making abilities.
The Pandemic-related Traumatic Stress Scale (PTSS) measures stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies those with higher levels of stress. The study found caregivers had the highest PTSS scores, followed by adolescents, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and children.
Individuals with severe sickle cell disease express willingness to accept gene therapy risks for a potential cure. Gene therapies offer higher chances of eliminating symptoms and extending life expectancy, but also come with significant risks.
A study found that COVID-19 transmission rates in child care centers were low, with only 2% to 3% of cases occurring within the centers. In contrast, household transmission was high, with 50% of children and 67% of adults contracting the virus once infected.
A new study at Aston University shows that children aged four and above consume 79% more calories when they are bored compared to a neutral mood. Children who were emotionally fed often ate five times more kilocalories when feeling bored.
Research at Aston University identified four eating behavior patterns in children: 'avid', 'happy', 'typical', and 'fussy'. Children with 'avid' eating behaviors are more likely to be overweight or obese, while caregivers' feeding practices vary significantly across the four categories. The study aims to provide tailored advice for par...
A large cohort study found a significant association between adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the risk of dementia. The study followed 109,000 individuals born between 1933 and 1952 and found that ADHD was associated with an increased risk of dementia.
People with dementia experience a rapid rise in unpaid and paid home care, and major erosion of net worth. Family members face significant demands, providing an average of 45 hours of care per month.
A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.
A new NIH study suggests that a common child behavior assessment tool may be skewed by factors such as caregiver demographics and language. Researchers have identified less biased questions that can reliably capture childhood behavior problems across diverse backgrounds.
A new study reveals that 92.5% of cancer practices screen patients for distress, but only 16% routinely screen caregivers, leaving many at risk. The research team aims to understand barriers to caregiver screening and improve supportive care services.
A University of Oklahoma professor is conducting an ethnographic study on end-of-life care in two public palliative care wards in Mexico City. The study aims to understand the cultural and bioethical dimensions of death and dying, with a focus on improving palliative care practices.
A new three-year grant will provide specialized dementia services and supports to underserved communities in Broward County. The project aims to improve quality of life for individuals living with or at risk of Alzheimer's disease, as well as their family caregivers.
A UCSF telecare program improves outcomes for patients with dementia and lightens the load on caregivers. The average monthly Medicare cost per patient was $526 lower for those in the Care Ecosystem compared to usual care.
A new study found that Trump's election was associated with a 5-percentage-point decrease in well-child visits for children of immigrant mothers, compared to US-born families. This decline may have resulted in missed vital pediatric care, including vaccinations and health screenings.
A recent NIH study found that caregiver pandemic-related stress was associated with increased child behavior problems, while higher levels of emotional and instrumental support reduced these issues. The research suggests that support for caregivers positively impacted child behavior outcomes across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
A survey of 1958 NHS health professionals found that work-related stress, workload intensity, and staffing levels were the primary factors driving decisions to leave. The results highlight the importance of addressing these fundamental factors to improve staff retention in the NHS.
A cross-sectional study across Japan, Ireland, and Finland found that the willingness to use care robots was highest in Japan (77.1%) and lowest in Finland (52.8%). A conceptual model explained the correlation between ethical perceptions and social implementation of care robots across three countries with different geographies, demogra...
Researchers are developing a community-based digital health intervention to increase vaccination uptake among children in rural and underserved areas. The project aims to empower community health workers to deliver education on vaccinations, overcoming the digital divide and addressing challenges faced by limited health workforce.
A study of US families found that lower caregiver education led to financial strain and reduced adaptability, while younger children faced limited school support. Experiences varied little between urban and rural families.
A recent NIH study found that caregivers' education levels and child ages played significant roles in determining their primary sources of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers with lower education levels reported more financial concerns, while those with higher education levels were more worried about social distancing.
A new study found that high-stress caregivers had higher klotho levels and longer telomeres in specific immune cells, which may provide protection against aging. In contrast, low-stress caregivers showed no significant associations between klotho levels and telomere length.
The new online course, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” enhances training for PCAs to provide quality assistance services for individuals with spinal cord injury. The four-module course covers topics such as building relationships, managing blood pressure, and transferring clients safely.
Patients with caregivers at higher depression risk experienced poorer quality of life and increased emergency department use. Additional caregiving resources could improve patient outcomes in Parkinson's disease.
Research shows digital health platforms can deliver personalized nutrition services, decrease burden, and medical expenses. Facilitators include clear communication, training, and social interaction, while barriers include cognitive changes, technology difficulties, and privacy concerns.
The CMS Innovation Center has launched a new dementia care and payment model that provides comprehensive support for patients with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience model aims to improve quality of life, reduce caregiver strain, and delay nursing home placement.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's patients exhibit heightened sensitivity to light changes, which can contribute to 'sundowning' and disease progression. Light therapy could help manage these symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.
A study of 463 infants aged 8-36 months found that those with smaller vocabularies and poorer cognitive skills nap more frequently. Reducing naps for these children may not improve brain development, suggesting a need to re-evaluate sleep recommendations.
A Cochrane review reveals that organizational interventions can reduce the use of physical restraints in care home residents by 14%, without increasing falls or fall-related injuries. Supportive managers play a crucial role in implementing these interventions, which improve knowledge, skills, and strategies among frontline staff.
A University of Missouri study reveals that being asked to weigh during a doctor's visit negatively affects female patients' emotions and self-esteem. Researchers advocate for policy changes to educate patients about their rights and promote weight-inclusive healthcare.
A cross-sectional study found that caregivers of Brazilian girls with Down syndrome commonly expressed concerns about menstrual bleeding and sexual development, with most permitting their child to engage in romantic relationships. The study highlights the need for guidance on addressing difficulties related to menstruation, contracepti...
A new study finds that people with dementia account for nearly 7% of all emergency visits over age 65, with twice the rate of seeking care after accidents or behavioral crises. Better supporting dementia caregivers could prevent future emergency visits and reduce risks associated with antipsychotic medications.
A program integrated community health workers into patient outreach to improve health, doubling annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes and dementia. The program resulted in a 17% reduction in hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among homebound patients.
A new study from Northwestern University found that only 13% of US parents and caregivers are aware of the 2017 NIH guidelines recommending early peanut introduction to prevent peanut allergy. Despite this, more work is needed to educate families and clinicians about the guidelines.
A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.
A $3 million NIH award will support an intervention aimed at improving health outcomes in Black youth with type 1 diabetes. The project aims to optimize family interactions related to diabetes care through mobile health technology, potentially reducing disparities in health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The study found that relatives have an important role in home hospitals, providing emotional support and guidance during the treatment process. Relatives reported conflicting feelings about being involved, but ultimately felt satisfied with the experience and would contribute again if needed.
A study found that babies watching live music had higher heart rates and were more engaged than those watching recordings, even with identical audio. The researchers tracked the babies' responses using heart monitors and tablets, and noted that the live performance captured their attention for 72% of the show.
A new study sheds light on the intersection of Alzheimer's caregiving and the LGBT experience, highlighting common themes such as social isolation, financial security, and grief support. The research reveals that LGBT caregivers face unique challenges due to lack of family support and discrimination in care settings.
A UK-wide evaluation found that nearly all (93%) of dying hospital patients had demonstrable unmet needs for palliative care. The deficit was more apparent in district general hospitals compared to teaching hospitals and cancer centres.
A systematic review of 41 studies involving 7,800 participants found that psychosocial interventions led to decreased healthcare utilization in most services. The greatest reductions were seen among caregivers and individuals with mental illnesses, particularly when interventions were delivered one-on-one by health professionals.
A new evidence-based framework proposes integrating palliative care into neurology teams to address the total pain of neurologic illness, including psychological, social, and spiritual distress. This approach aims to screen for and prevent suffering by incorporating a palliative care model from day one.
A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.
A West Virginia University study found that over half of surveyed faith community nurses and leaders reported moderate-to-high stress and compassion fatigue. The researchers recommend team-based approaches to support these individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing burnout and promoting self-care.
The ASHP Summer Meeting presented research on clinical pharmacists' impact on type 2 diabetes treatment intensification with GLP-1 receptor agonists. A study found 85% of patients received care from clinical pharmacists had their medication titrated to the first effective dose, compared to 12.5% without pharmacist involvement.
Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi receives the award for her leadership in developing a patent-free open-source vaccine for COVID-19, which has been adopted globally and distributed over 100 million doses.