Comparison of ADL and Symptoms in Elders with Dementia according to Family Resiliency

Seomun, Gyeong Ae; Chang, Sung Ok; Lee, Su Jeong

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify family resiliency, ADL in elders with dementia, and symptom for families with an elder with dementia. METHOD: The participants were 102 people who were caregivers to elders with dementia and who visited the out-patient department at S. hospital for follow up care. Data were collected from August to October 2003 using a questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test aided by the SPSS/PC. RESULT: Family resiliency for the whole sample was within normal limits but when the sample was quarter-divided by good and poor family resiliency, based on established cut-off scores, there were differences for some characteristics according to good/poor family resiliency. These differences were for perceived health state of caregivers (t=-2.78, p=.008), economic state of family (t=-3.34, p=.002), and ADL (t=-2.56, p=.014). CONCLUSION: Future research should focus on the way in which family resiliency can be enhanced and on the effects of interventions for those caregivers who report poor family resiliency.