Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt & Associate Professor of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
2
Assistant Professor of Nursing Education, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
3
Assistant Professor of Nursing Education, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt & Associate Professor of Nursing, Alriyada College for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia
4
Lecturer of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of applying different relaxation techniques on older adults’ caregivers’ burnout and burden in assisted living facilities. Methods: A cohort of sixty caregivers recruited from two elderly homes (private and governmental) in Alexandria, Egypt were enrolled in this quasi-experimental study. The caregivers were conveniently selected and further randomly assigned to intervention (n=15) and control (n=15) groups in each home. Three instruments were used to collect the data, Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale, Caregiver Burden Inventory, and the Caregivers’ Socio-demographic and Clinical Data Structured Interview Schedule. Relaxation techniques were administered to caregivers three times a week for four weeks. Results: A significant difference was shown in the mean total score of the Maslach Burnout Inventory post intervention (39.53±7.13, and 37.13±7.54) for the study groups, respectively, compared to pre intervention (20.93±8.17, and 14.40±6.73). The mean score of physical and emotional domains of the Caregiver Burden Inventory dropped significantly for the study group after intervention in both settings (P=<0.001, and 0.016) and (P=0.011, and <0.001) for physical and emotional domains, respectively. Conclusion: Relaxation techniques are effective in reducing burnout and some aspects of burden levels for caregivers. Recommendations: The study suggests that routine screening of caregivers' burden and burnout is crucial for early identification and management, thereby improving their quality of life. Furthermore, plan interventions to decrease caregiver burden and burnout as soon as caregiving commences.
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