A Duty to Care: Male Perspectives on the Caregiver Role for Persons With Alzheimer's or Dementia.

The population of family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is growing, as is the proportion of males taking on this traditionally female role. Caregiving research has centered around women due to historic roles, resulting in a knowledge gap regarding male caregiving experiences. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experiences of male FCGs of people with ADRD. Eleven male caregivers were recruited and interviewed by telephone or Zoom/videoconferencing. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged highlighting males' struggles with the unfamiliar caregiving role and changing identity; their acknowledgment of personal growth and discovery through caregiving; their challenges in finding the "right" kind of support; and their perceived reshaping of masculinity through the caregiving role. Male caregivers expressed unique experiences as FCGs. Findings indicate the need for researchers and clinicians to develop tailored support to address their needs.

Gender Differences in Adverse Psychosocial Outcomes among Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review explores gender differences in adverse psychosocial and role-related outcomes of family caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses. Data sources for the systematic review included CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Eligible primary research focused on examining gender-based differences in psychological and emotional outcomes (e.g., burden, depression, stress) among family caregivers of an older adult with chronic illness. In total, 16 studies were included in the review with most studies using a cross-sectional design and conducted outside of the United States. Studies reported on gender differences in health outcomes such as burden, stress, and anxiety. Women caregivers had overall higher negative outcomes, but men may have more intense difficulty during the initial caregiver transition phase. Resources to address caregiver health should consider the caregiver's gender. As the older adult population grows, more caregiver research is needed and future studies to include more male caregivers.

"Doing the Right Thing": Family Caregivers Managing Medical and Nursing Tasks in the Postacute Home Health Care Setting.

Family caregivers often manage complex medical and nursing tasks (MNTs) for older adults transitioning from hospital to home. To explore caregivers' experiences managing MNTs in the postacute home health care (HHC) setting, we interviewed by phone 20 caregivers of older adults who received HHC following a hospitalization. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using directed content analysis. Caregivers highlighted the technical complexity and emotional impact of performing MNTs, as well as social (e.g., family, friends) and environmental (e.g., neighborhood, housing) resources they leveraged to meet the older adults' care needs. Caregivers also identified challenges coordinating care and services within HHC and the larger health care system. Caregiver engagement in the postacute HHC setting should incorporate tailored training and support, assessments of socioenvironmental context and resources, and facilitated navigation of the health care system. Future research should elucidate factors associated with successful collaborative relationships among HHC providers, older adults, and their caregivers in the postacute HHC setting.

Holistic Care of Hemodialysis Access in Patients with Kidney Failure.

Kidney failure requiring hemodialysis is a chronic illness that has physical, psychosocial, and financial consequences. Patients with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis need a renewed focus on self-care, prevention, and community-based health management to reduce healthcare costs and complications, and improve outcomes and quality of life, while living with an altered lifestyle. A holistic chronic care model was applied as a guideline for healthcare professionals involved with this population to more effectively engage people with kidney failure in their management of their hemodialysis access.