Cox C, Monk A
National Catholic School of Social Services, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064.
Health Soc Work. 1993 May;18(2):92-100. doi: 10.1093/hsw/18.2.92.
Caring for Alzheimer's patients places tremendous burdens and strain on families. This study examined the ways cultural values and norms influence the experiences of Hispanic caregivers. The results revealed relationships between attitudes toward caregiving and a sense of burden and depression among the caregivers, with depression being related to stronger adherence to norms of filial support. Factors associated with increased burden include lack of time for oneself, dependency needs of the patient, and belief that one could be doing a better job as caregiver. Problems common to other groups of caregivers--feelings of anger, relationship and financial strain, and isolation--were not apparent. Although relatives provide affective support, the burden of instrumental assistance rests on the primary caregiver. These findings, as well as a reluctance to discuss problems outside of the family, call for active social work interventions.
照顾老年痴呆症患者给家庭带来了巨大的负担和压力。本研究探讨了文化价值观和规范如何影响西班牙裔护理人员的经历。结果显示，护理人员对护理的态度与负担感和抑郁之间存在关联，抑郁与更强的孝顺支持规范的遵守程度相关。与负担增加相关的因素包括缺乏个人时间、患者的依赖需求以及认为自己作为护理人员可以做得更好的信念。其他护理人员群体常见的问题——愤怒情绪、人际关系和经济压力以及孤立感——并不明显。尽管亲属提供情感支持，但实际帮助的负担落在了主要护理人员身上。这些发现，以及不愿在家庭之外讨论问题的情况，都需要积极的社会工作干预。
