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Predictors of depression among caregivers of older adults with severe mental illness
- Authors:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M., KROPF Nancy P.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 58(3), 2015, pp.253-271.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Caregivers of older persons with severe mental illness (SMI) contend with the double challenge of providing assistance related to both the psychiatric condition and older age of their family member. Study explored factors influencing negative psychological outcomes experienced by caregivers (n = 96) of older adults with severe mental health problems (defined as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major recurrent depression). The Stress-Process Model was used as a framework for conceptualizing constructs to be explored in the study. One-quarter of caregivers scored at or above the clinical point for depression. Low income, care recipient gender, poor health, problems dealing with care recipient’s symptoms and the interaction of health and problems dealing with symptoms were associated with higher rates of depression. Implications for service provision and future research are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Formal and informal support for older adults with severe mental illness
- Authors:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M., KROPF Nancy P.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 13(4), July 2009, pp.619-627.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study sought to examine the combination of formal and informal services supplied to older adults with severe mental illness, to assess the adequacy of services received, and to determine factors predictive of formal and informal service provision. A cross-sectional research design was employed. Seventy-five older adults diagnosed with a SMI were recruited through local community mental health centre. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using the Camberwell Assessment of Needs for the Elderly. Clients most frequently received services from formal sources for psychiatric distress, physical health, information, and dangerous behaviour needs while informal sources provided the greatest amount of assistance for self-care, psychiatric distress, and money management needs. Appropriate assistance was most often not provided for benefits, sight/hearing, and incontinence. Formal services were predicted by group residence and dangerous behaviour, physical illness, medication, and daily activity needs. Assistance from informal sources was predicted by private residence, self-care, mobility, and money management needs. While formal and informal sources provided adequate services for certain client needs, over 70% of the clients did not receive the correct type of help for some of their needs. Greater communication between mental health care staff and informal caregivers, and the integration of aging network services, is essential for the adequate provision of care to older severely mentally ill (SMI) adults. Education and greater linkages among care providers are necessary so that all service providers are aware of and are able to appropriately respond to the complex multi-level needs experienced by older SMI adults.
Functional impairment as a predictor of depressive symptomatology: the role of race, religiosity, and social support
- Authors:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Work, 28(1), February 2003, pp.23-32.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This article examines the relationship between depressive symptomatology and functional impairment between white and African American older people and investigated the role of race, religiosity, and social support relationship.
The efficacy of an intergrated group treatment program for depressed assisted living residents
- Author:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M.
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 13(5), September 2003, pp.608-621.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Assisted living facilities have quickly developed as a housing alternative for older people who are no longer able to live alone in the community but do not yet need nursing home care. Research suggests that whereas many assisted living residents experience depression, few receive needed mental health services. This American study examines the effectiveness of a group treatment programme in promoting the psychological well-being of depressed assisted living older people. Seventeen older people participated in 10 group therapy sessions that combined remotivation and supportive therapy techniques. Pre- and posttest measures and a programme satisfaction survey were administered by research assistants. Following the conclusion of the twice weekly sessions, participants experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and a significant increase in life satisfaction and perceived social support. Concludes that the utility and efficacy of the integrated group treatment model is suggested by study findings and calls for further research.