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| ==Effects on the Brain== | ==Effects on the Brain== | ||
| - | Beyond | + | Beyond emotional aspects, there are positive effects happening on the cognitive and physiological level. A recent study on elderly women shows an increase in memory and lower mortality rates.<ref>Span,Paula.(2011,October.12). Caregiving’s Hidden Benefits. New York Times. Retrieved from http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/caregivings-hidden-benefits/</ref>.This is in direct relation to caregiving as it is a physically demanding job and requires constant mental stimulation. The caregiver is often getting physical and mental exercise without even knowing it. Reslutls showed improved strength and cardivascular performance with caregivers versus noncaregivers, in addition to higher scores on memory tests as oppsed to noncaregivers.These finidngs are very opitmistic, as it helps caregivers know that their handwork is paying off in more ways than one. |
| - | There is much more research to be done regarding the | + | There is much more research to be done regarding the aspects of cargiving, but it is clear that the positive effects are just as important to understand as the negative ones. |
Revision as of 14:11, 31 October 2011
Contents |
Group #16
- 1. Chelsea Mercier
- 2. Kristin Prentice
- 3. Molly Ziraldo
Caring for An Aging Relative
Much of the research in this field focuses largely on the negative, but what are the positive effects of caregiving.Until recently, this positive view was not given much attention, however it is receiving greater consideration, as a better understanding of the caregiver experience is needed. Caring for an aging relative can bring many positive attributes into ones' life, which can help compensate for the stress that can also be felt[1]. There is also new research showing the cognitive effects pertaining to brain development. These findings on positive neural outcomes are helping to shed new light on the role of caregiving
Many adult children feel the need to give back to their parents; that caregiving is their duty. Actively choosing to take on the caregiver role is one of the most powerful detriments of positive outcomes.[2]. In any regard, being able to care for someone who has provided for you in the past, is something most caregivers take pride in and feel good about. Caregiving is often a time in which the caregiver learns more about them self; helping foster new insights to the self and to others.[3]. This can positively influence and strengthen relationships within the caregiver’s outer social networks. Furthermore, because the individual is challenged in new ways, it allows them a chance to learn about them self, in ways that would not other wise be explored. This can lead to an increased ability to handle and cope with stressors effectively in other domains of their life .[4]
Intimacy is also increased through caregiving. There is a level of intimacy and closeness that if often unattainable without taking on such a role. This level of intimacy is often the result of selfless devotion to another. This type of relationship can be very rewarding for a spouse and especially for adult children, allowing them a chance to know their parents better than ever before(See video of caregiver ). .
Satisfaction through Caregiving
Most caregivers claim that above all, caring for a loved one gives their life meaning and purpose.[4].This is the most important impact as it can compensate for negative feelings and make the experience worthwhile. Most caregivers also state that it helps them to better appreciate life.[2]. When one sees an ill relative nearing the end of their life or slowly losing mobility, it can spark great feelings of gratitude for their current health. This feeling of awareness can potentially lead to greater positive effects by forcing an individual to care for their own health more seriously. In one study on satisfaction attained through caregiving, Cohen and colleagues found that 73% of those surveyed claimed they could find one positive aspect of caregiving.[5]. Therefore, the majority of caregivers do in fact,find something positive within their experience. The study found that there are specific areas that provide greatest caregiver satisfaction. Among these areas the most satisfying element was companionship followed by the feelings of fulfillment. Caregiving can give meaning to ones' life, and the process of making a difference in another’s life can be very rewarding. In turn, this feeling of fulfillment can give way to an increase in motivation.[5]. Caregivers also reported pure enjoyment as providing satisfaction, as well as the sense of responsibility.[4].Having a duty and obligation tends to make one feel a sense of importance. Lastly, caregivers take satisfaction from the feeling of being appreciated .The reciprocation of gratitude can have powerful positive effects.[3].
Effects on the Brain
Beyond emotional aspects, there are positive effects happening on the cognitive and physiological level. A recent study on elderly women shows an increase in memory and lower mortality rates.[6].This is in direct relation to caregiving as it is a physically demanding job and requires constant mental stimulation. The caregiver is often getting physical and mental exercise without even knowing it. Reslutls showed improved strength and cardivascular performance with caregivers versus noncaregivers, in addition to higher scores on memory tests as oppsed to noncaregivers.These finidngs are very opitmistic, as it helps caregivers know that their handwork is paying off in more ways than one.
There is much more research to be done regarding the aspects of cargiving, but it is clear that the positive effects are just as important to understand as the negative ones.
Notes and References
- ↑ Breach, Jackson, Schulz & Yee 2000, p.259.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Tarlow B., Wisniski S., Belle S., Rubert M., Ory M., Gallagher-Thompson (2004). Positive aspects of caregving. Research on Aging 26(4)p.429.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lopez , Lopez, & Crespo 2005, p.81-94.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Connell C., Janevic M., Gallant M.,(2001).The cost have caring: impact of dementia on family caregivers. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology 14, p178.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Cohen A., Colantanio A. & Vernich L. (2002). Positive aspects of caregiving: rounding out the caregiver experience. Int J Geriatric Psychiatry, 17, p184-188.
- ↑ Span,Paula.(2011,October.12). Caregiving’s Hidden Benefits. New York Times. Retrieved from http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/caregivings-hidden-benefits/
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