DonÂ’t Let Your Spouse Become Your Caregiver
According to a recent study, older adults providing home care to their spouses may be more inclined to act in ways that could harm the impaired partner.
New York, NY (PRWEB) February 26, 2005
According to a recent study, older adults providing home care to their spouses may be more inclined to act in ways that could harm the impaired partner.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that potentially harmful caregiver behavior was more likely in spouse caregiving situations. Clinical depression was also seen as a factor.
"Depressed older spouses who occupy the caregiving role may be particularly appropriate targets for screening and intervention efforts," according to researchers. Caregiving itself has been associated with “compromised mental and physical health and increased risk for mortality.” In these situations, both caregiver and recipients can be at risk for long-term negative outcomes.
The article states that potentially harmful caregiver behavior can be an early warning sign of even greater elderly abuse or neglect. Surprisingly, previous research has shown that abusive caregivers are quite willing to admit to their behavior in interviews.
This study is published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact medicalnews@bos. blackwellpublishing. net.
About the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society publishes articles that are relevant in the broadest terms to the clinical care of older persons. Such articles may span a variety of disciplines and fields and may be of immediate, intermediate, or long-term potential benefit to clinical practice.
About the American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is the premier professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults. With an active membership of over 6,000 health care professionals, the AGS has a long history of effecting change in the provision of health care for older adults. In the last decade, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices regarding health care for older people. Visit www. americangeriatrics. org for more information.
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the worldÂ’s leading society publisher, partnering with more than 600 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.
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