Counseling intervention for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer

Abstract

This study aims to assess the effect of counseling intervention on family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer, this objective achieved through assessment of the family caregivers' needs and problems (burden and coping patterns), accordingly the researchers designed and implemented to counseling sessions for caregivers of Alzheimer patients to help family members cope with their burden. This study was conducted 2 settings at the Geriatric Unit and Geriatric Out-Patient Clinics in Ain Shams University Hospital. Sample of the study included 50 patients diagnosed as Alzheimer, aged above 60 years of both sexes the study also included 50 family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer. Tools used for data collection were: Burden Interview Questionnaire to assess the level of burden of caregivers' (physical, social and financial) , Coping Inventory, to assess caregivers' coping patterns , Burden counseling intervention sessions, based on the results of burden interview questionnaire, Coping Inventory, as well as, literature review, the counseling sessions was developed by the researchers to help caregivers acquire knowledge regarding Alzheimer, express their inner feeling, burden and practice some strategies for example breathing, mediation and relaxation techniques to help in coping with the burden