Use of Personal and Social Resourcefulness by Adult-Child and Spousal Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Purpose This study examined the use of personal and social resourcefulness when experiencing anger, anxiety, sadness, decision-making, and financial distress among adult-child and spousal caregivers of persons with dementia. Methods Baseline data on 10 Resourcefulness Scale © items measuring personal and social resourcefulness in response to anger, anxiety, sadness, decision-making, and financial distress were obtained from 127 adult-child and 112 spousal caregivers of persons with dementia. Results Adult-child and spousal caregivers similarly used personal resourcefulness for financial distress (62%–68%) and both personal and social resourcefulness when angry (67%), sad (87%–92%), and making decisions (77%–98%). Spousal caregivers used both personal and social resourcefulness when anxious (37%), while adult-child caregivers used only personal resourcefulness (46%). The findings were similar across age, race, and gender subgroups. Conclusions Future research should explore the effects of other situational factors (e.g., caregiving burden) on resourcefulness. Gerontological healthcare professionals should assess the caregiver–care recipient relationship when determining and tailoring interventions.