Enabling Healthy Occupations for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia: A Guide to Resourcesq
Graduation Date
2007
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Bonnie Napier-Tibere, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Stephen Leonard, MOT, OTR/L
Abstract
Caregivers of individuals with dementia can be affected by the stress of this occupation. Dementia is a disorder that alters an individual’s memory, cognition, personality, and behavior. As symptoms progress, an individual’s ability to care for him/herself declines and becomes dependent upon others. Being a caregiver can have some negative impacts affecting the physically and emotional well-being of the caregiver. To help reduce these impacts, resources are available to caregivers. Due to the time and energy necessary for caregiving, caregivers may not have time to research available resources. This thesis focuses on the development of a resource manual and website to provide a quick and easy guide to resources as well as occupational therapy tips to aid in the caregiving process.