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Effects of home-based stress management training on primary caregivers of elderly people with dementia in South Korea
- Authors:
- LEE Yoon-Ro, SUNG Kyu-taik, KIM Yang-E
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 11(2), March 2012, pp.171-179.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Concern about dementia among families caring for frail elderly is increasing in South Korea but clinical services for caregivers are said to be sparse. This study evaluated home-based stress management training aimed at reducing the physical and psychological vulnerability commonly associated with caring for a dementia sufferer. It used the multiple-method stress management programme developed by Whitney and Rose. The main difference between this and previous studies is that the intervention was implemented through individual counselling and took place in the client’s own home. The advantages are thought to be the ability to focus for longer on individual concerns and the counsellor being more involved with the whole family and able to more accurately gain insight into and analyse the situation. It also acknowledges Korean caregivers’ strong tendency to provide care for elderly people with dementia within the family setting. A total of 30 primary caregivers were recruited to the training programme (mean age 51 years, 10 female, 5 male in the intervention group). The programme included: relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, modelling sequence, and systematic problem solving. The stress level for the experimental group was significantly reduced, family relationships improved and satisfaction with life was greater. The practice implications and cultural relevance of this type of training are discussed.