The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40095

Helen Arteaga, Research Administrative Resident, North Shore -Long Island Jewish Health System, 150 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-465-8324, harteaga@nshs.edu and Lawrence Scherr, MD , MACP, Dean and Chief Academic Officer and Professor of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, North Shore -LIJ Health System, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030.

We have reviewed a population of family caregivers who, on a long-term basis have care-recipient living with them or residing at a Nursing Home, in order to assess and demonstrate the benefits of supporting social programs where caregivers are relieved of their roles for a period of time. This, in turn, will improve the quality of life by decreasing the emotional and physical strain. Some of the variables observed are social integration, lost of intimacy, depression, stress, case management and time limitations. First, a survey was given to assess the initial effects of caregiving on quality of life. Then we developed a program and a conference that addressed some of issues indicated from the initial survey. Finally, the same survey was given out again and the results of the initial and second survey where compared. The objective was to illustrate that there is a statistically significant increase in the quality of life in a caregiver when personal time always from the care recipient was available. This time apart is essential for caregivers in improving their own quality of life and self-preservation. In addition will demonstrate to health care professional and health care facilities the positive outcome and benefits in supporting tools and programs that provide this rapid increasing population the education and training needed for their personal survival.

Learning Objectives:

• To demonstrate benefits in supporting social programs for caregivers where they are relieved of their caregiving roles for a period of time. This will improve the quality of life by decreasing the emotional and physical strain. In addition, the objective is to demonstrate to health care professionals and health care facilities, the benefits of providing tools and programs that help this rapidly growing population.

Keywords: Adult Health, Caregivers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.