Home-Based Pilot Intervention to Improve Quality of Life and Related Outcomes among Unpaid Caregivers and Their Care-Recipients with Visual Impairments

Afeez Abiola Hazzan (), Pamela Beach, Lauren J. Lieberman and Cassidy Regan
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Afeez Abiola Hazzan: Department of Healthcare Studies, State University of New York Brockport, State University of New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, New York, NY 14420, USA
Pamela Beach: Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies & Physical Education (KSSPE), State University of New York Brockport, State University of New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, New York, NY 14420, USA
Lauren J. Lieberman: Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies & Physical Education (KSSPE), State University of New York Brockport, State University of New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, New York, NY 14420, USA
Cassidy Regan: Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies & Physical Education (KSSPE), State University of New York Brockport, State University of New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, New York, NY 14420, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: The increasing lifespan of the United States population has led to a rise in the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases, increasing the need for unpaid caregivers. Currently, little research is known about this specific population beyond the limited formal training unpaid caregivers receive on the caregiving process. Acquiring visual impairments (VI) later in life places a large emotional toll on both the loved one and their caregivers. The objectives of this pilot study were: (1) to implement a multimodal intervention targeted towards improving the quality of life of unpaid caregivers and their care recipients with visual impairments; (2) to evaluate the efficacy of the multimodal intervention in improving the quality of life of unpaid caregivers and their care recipients with visual impairments. A 10-week virtual intervention (e.g., tai chi, yoga, music) was implemented with 12 caregivers and 8 older adults with VI. The targeted outcomes of interest included: QoL, health, stress, burden, problem-solving, and barriers. In addition to surveys to inform the choice of the intervention, focus group interviews were conducted to obtain participants’ perspectives on the effectiveness of the intervention. Results revealed many positive outcomes in the quality of life and well-being of the participants following the 10-week intervention. Overall, these results represent a promising program for unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI.

Keywords: blindness; low vision; caregiving; burden; physical activity; mental health; wellness; stress; caregiving; interventions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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