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An exploration of senile dementia and family burden

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Abstract

Chronic organic brain syndrome is a disabling but little understood disease that can be viewed within a family burden perspective. Since senile dementia relates to multi-dimensional functioning and creates various levels of dependency, family burden is a major factor in the decision to institutionalize. Clinical social workers should understand the problems contributing to the burden of a family with a mentally impaired older member. A variety of interventions is possible and these interventions can be used to alleviate many problems of the family and to create a more responsive system of support.

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Morycz, R.K. An exploration of senile dementia and family burden. Clin Soc Work J 8, 16–27 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00761074

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