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Confirmatory factor analysis of the geriatric depression scale
- Authors:
- ADAMS Kathryn Betts, MATTON Holly C., SANDERS Sara
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 44(6), December 2004, pp.818-826.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is widely used in clinical and research settings to screen older adults for depressive symptoms. Although several exploratory factor analytic structures have been proposed for it, no independent confirmation has been made available that would enable investigators to confidently identify scores for the subdimensions of depression represented it. This article describes a confirmatory factor analysis of the 30-item GDS, with the factor structure based on an exploratory principal components analysis published earlier. The original study sample consisted of 327 community-dwelling adults aged 65–94. The confirmatory factor analysis was performed on data from an independent sample of 294 adults aged 60–98 residing in retirement facilities. The proposed final measurement model uses 26 items from the GDS in 5 factors and obtains a goodness-of-fit index of .90. The resulting distinct subdimensions are dysphoric mood, withdrawal–apathy–vigour, hopelessness, cognitive and anxiety. Although results should be considered preliminary, the use of these 5 subdimensions as subscales for scoring purposes may improve the precision and utility of the GDS as an assessment tool for older adults in health, mental health, and research contexts.
A quest for meaning: hospice social workers and patients with end-stage dementia
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, SWAILS Peggy
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work: A journal of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 56(2), April 2011, pp.129-140.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Most social workers are not interested in working with cognitively impaired older people, such as those with dementia. As the number of individuals with dementia grows, the demand for social workers to provide services will increase. To date, little attention has been directed toward patients at the end stages of the disease, and little is known about how professionals, particularly hospice social workers, form therapeutic relationships with these patients given their severe cognitive impairment. This study examined how 43 hospice social workers find meaning in their therapeutic relationships with patients with end-stage dementia. Findings revealed two primary themes, each containing three subthemes, that captured the barriers to and strategies for forming meaningful relationships with patients with end-stage dementia. The authors conclude that this study has implications for hospice social workers, and the type of training they need to strengthen their practice with adults suffering from dementia.
Capacity building for gerontological services: an evaluation of adult day services in a rural state
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, SAUNDERS Jeanne A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Community Practice, 17(3), July 2009, pp.291-308.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philapelphia, USA
As the number of elders increases, it becomes critical to develop programmes and services designed to meet their psychosocial and physical needs. Adult day services are critical home and community-based services for older adults and adults with cognitive, physical, or developmental disabilities. A mixed methods evaluation study of adult day service programmes in Iowa over a 6-month period in 2007 consisted of surveys, individual interviews and focus groups. This paper presents only the results from the interviews with the administrators concerning the barriers to the growth of adult day services and descriptive data from the surveys, providing direct insight into the types of changes that needs to be made to strengthen the programmes. It was found that there were 3 main types of barriers that prevented the growth of adult day services in Iowa: systemic; community-based, and funding. It was concluded that there is a need for capacity building of adult day services in Iowa. A model for addressing these barriers through capacity building at the state and local levels is discussed.
Geriatric enrichment in social work education: lessons learned from the GeroRich projects
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, DORFMAN Lorraine T., INGRAM Jerry G.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(4), May 2009, pp.354-376.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
It is expected that one in five Americans, or almost 70 million individuals, will be aged 65 by 2030, with the fastest-growing segment of older adults being those over the age of 85. The authors note that despite this demand, a national shortage of social workers willing to work with older adults continues to exist. The Geriatric Enrichment in Social Work Education (GeroRich) initiative was designed to infuse geriatric content into the social work foundation curriculum, with 67 institutions selected to participate in this programme which began in 2002 and ended in 2004. This study analysed the lessons learned by participating institutions about the curriculum enrichment efforts, using qualitative analysis of GeroRich final reports. The five themes that emerged were: obtaining faculty buy-in and faculty development, increasing student interest and engagement, developing community partners, developing interdisciplinary linkages, and facilitating institutional commitment and sustainability.
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, MORANO Carmen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 50(S1), 2008, pp.191-214.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease, or a related dementia, is growing at a significant rate and it is essential that social workers in geriatric setting are knowledgeable both about the disorder and appropriate interventions. This systematically conducted review examines psychosocial approaches to managing mood and behavioural changes, identifying those that can be administered in both individual and group formats. These include psychotherapy groups, wellness groups, life review treatment, reminiscence groups, cognitive-behavioural therapy, validation therapy, arousal or stimulation interventions, memory enhancement and simulated presence therapy. Results have been mixed, and the results of all studies need to be interpreted with caution because of methodological limitations. More and better conducted studies are needed. The paper concludes with a ‘treatment resource appendix’ directed at American social workers. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Familial caregivers of older adults
- Authors:
- CASSIE Kimberly McClure, SANDERS Sara
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 50(S1), 2008, pp.293-320.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Carers of older people need to balance the demands of family, career and caring, and are at increased risk of burden, stress, depression and a variety of other mental and physical health problems. A significant number may be receiving some form of medication for one or more of these conditions, but psychosocial interventions may be as – or more – effective. This review covers individual psychosocial interventions, group interventions, multi-modal interventions and technology-based interventions. These have been associated with reduced mental health symptoms, reduced fatigue, improved knowledge and attitudes, better social support and more effective management of behaviour problems in family members with dementia. Recommendations are given to expand research in this area beyond White populations and those caring for dementia patients. The paper concludes with a ‘treatment resource appendix’ directed at American social workers. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Lessons learned on forced relocation of older adults: the impact of hurricane Andrew on Health, mental health, and social support of public housing residents
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, BOWIE Stan L., BOWIE Yvonne Dias
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 40(4), 2003, pp.23-35.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article is an exploratory-descriptive study of older adult public housing residents who were forcibly relocated from their homes when Hurricane Andrew struck Miami-Dade County in 1992. The subjects were all African Americans (N = 58) with a mean age of 67 years (S.D. = 9.8) who lived in economically depressed, low-income communities. Almost 70% were females. The subjects suffered from an array of physical and mental health maladies that were exacerbated when they were uprooted from key support systems, including families, social services, and health care facilities they depended on. A variety of complaints surfaced about their new living arrangements and almost 70% expressed a desire to return to their previous homes after long-term structural repairs were complete. Implications are discussed regarding the need for pre-emptive "elder-sensitive" strategic planning, the role of Public Housing Authorities in properly caring for older adults before and after a hurricne or other natural disaster, the need for appropriate training of public housing property managers, and the key role of social workers during post-disaster interventions with older adults and their families. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street Binghamton, NY 13904-1580)
A pilot study about the needs of older gays and lesbians: what social workers need to know
- Authors:
- McFARLAND Peggy L., SANDERS Sara
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 40(3), 2003, pp.67-79.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In a pilot study, a population of gay and lesbian elders were surveyed to determine what types of long term plans they have made in preparation for their old age, what types of information they feel service providers need to know to better meet their long-term needs, and what is their perception of aging. The results of this pilot study demonstrated that almost three-fourths of the total sample have started to make plans for growing old. The respondents reported that social workers needed to be more knowledgeable about gay lifestyles and the importance of their partners. It was also found that the views of aging became more positive as the gay and lesbian individuals grow older.
Perceptions of caregiving role by son's caring for a parent with Alzheimer's disease: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, McFARLAND Peggy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 37(2), 2002, pp.61-76.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In this qualitative study, 18 sons were interviewed about the factors that led them to assume the role of primary caregiver for a parent with progressive memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as the personal challenge that they experienced in this role. The analysis demonstrated that sons experience a range of emotional reactions, personal and professional conflict, as well as learn about new roles and responsibilities as they attempt to access the needed services for their parent.
The expressions of loss and grief among male caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease
- Authors:
- SANDERS Sara, MORANO Carmen, CORLEY Constance Salz
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 39(4), 2002, pp.3-17.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
While research on caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease dominated gerontological research for the last 25 years, little attention has been given to the grief reactions of caregivers, particularly male caregivers. This study examined the expression of grief and loss among 71 male caregivers who were currently caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Qualitative research methodology found that while not all caregivers perceived themselves to be grieving, expressions of loss were present in all statements. Implications for geriatric social work practice were examined.