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Spiritual support for caregivers of dementia patients

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Abstract

Dementia is considered the “major psychiatric disorder of old age” and affects over 4 million people in the United States. As Alzheimer's disease and other dementias progress, the patient can become increasingly dependent on the family for care. This dependency can place the caregiver in a role that is both difficult and demanding. In this study coping strategies used by family caregivers of dementia patients and caregivers' sense of burden were assessed. Burden scores were significantly correlated with spiritual support, an external coping strategy. When spiritual well-being is integrated with medical and psychosocial needs, the clergy and spiritual community can play an integral role in the care for families and dementia patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon

    Scott D. Wright Ed.M. (is a doctoral student Human Development and Family Studies)

  2. Oregon State University, Oregon

    Clara C. Pratt Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Director of Program on Gerontology)

  3. Extension Service, College of Home Economics, Oregon State University, Oregon

    Vicki L. Schmall Ph.D. (Associate Professor and Extension Gerontology Specialist)

Authors
  1. Scott D. Wright Ed.M.
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  2. Clara C. Pratt Ph.D.
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  3. Vicki L. Schmall Ph.D.
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Wright, S.D., Pratt, C.C. & Schmall, V.L. Spiritual support for caregivers of dementia patients. J Relig Health 24, 31–38 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01533257

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