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Family Disengagement–Myth or Reality: A Follow-up Study After Geriatric Assessment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

G. Elaine Stolar
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia
Mary A. Hill
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia
Alanna Tomblin
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia

Abstract

To determine family involvement after geriatric assessment, two groups of patients were followed: a sample of 1981 patients and their caregivers were interviewed in 1981 and 1984: and, a sample of 1983 patients and their caregivers were interviewed in 1984. The findings indicate that nuclear family members retain on-going relationships with their elderly. Kin networks shrink for those elderly without nuclear kin when their mental functioning decreases. Needs and resources change over time.

Résumé

Deux groupes de malades ont été suivis en vue d'apprécier l'intérét manifesté par leur famille à la suite d'une évaluation gériatrique. Un échantillonnage de malades admis en 1981 et de leurs donneurs de soins ont été vus et interrogésen 1982 et en 1984. Un autre groupe de malades admis en 1983 et leurs donneurs de soins ont été vus et interrogés en 1984. Les résultats indiquent que les proches parents maintiennent des rapports suivis avec leur parenté âgée. Les personnes âgées sans proches parents voient cependant les relâtions familiales se relâchées lorsque leurs facultés baissent. Besoins et ressources évoluent avec le temps.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1986

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