As elderly family caregivers age, they experience a decline in physiological function and increased frustration, psychological distress, depression, and caregiver burden for the care of their family disabled elders. However, special attention has not been given to the caregiving issues and health status of family caregivers. Previous empirical studies have shown that older family caregivers who utilize their learned resourcefulness can effectively improve their health and reduce caregiver burden, thereby increasing their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to develop a learned resourcefulness training program suitable for older family caregivers based on a foundation of empirical methods and learned resourcefulness theory, in order to help older family caregivers adapt to long-term caregiver stress.
Methods:
An empirical research design and a two-stage implementation scheme were adopted. The first stage consisted of a systematic review of literature in databases such as the Chinese Electronic Periodical Services (CEPS), CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library. A total of 15 articles were included in the rigorous review—5 articles being randomized experimental studies and 10 being non-randomized experimental studies—and empirical evidence was extracted from the relevant literature. The second stage was the construction of a suitable and localized clinical application program through group discussions with experts and researchers.
Results:
The preliminary learned resourcefulness program for older family caregivers included training in the following aspects: problem-solving strategies, organizing daily behavior, using self-regulation, shaping positive situations, changing negative thinking, and exploring new ways of thinking. The program lasts for four weeks, with training conducted once a week. During Week 1, a 30–40-minute learned resourcefulness training session is conducted through individual coaching. During Weeks 2–4, a 10–15 min telephone follow-up session is conducted once a week.
Conclusion:
By developing a suitable and localized learned resourcefulness training program, we hope to use this program as an intervention measure in future experimental studies for further testing its effectiveness and feasibility in clinical practice.