Nursing intervention for stress management in family caregivers of dependent older adults: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: assess the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention for caregivers based on a psychoeducational stress management program in relation to primary stressors (overload), resources (coping) and results (emotional well-being), as well as an assessment by caregivers and care recipients as to the helpfulness of the intervention and the program's support material. Method: a pilot study was conducted with 13 caregivers of older adults in Portugal during five weeks. Interviews were conducted to assess the intervention and support material. Results: after the intervention, there was an improvement in coping, well-being and overload, with a statistically significant difference in overload; difficulties implementing the intervention and using the support material. Conclusion: the family caregivers stated that the intervention helped them learn new coping strategies. On the part of the nurses, the intervention helped them understand the difficulties faced by caregivers, facilitating a holistic care approach based on the caregiver and elderly person.