THE ROLE OF A SOCIAL WORK IN WORKING WITH A CLIENT WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2956-333X/2025-3-4Słowa kluczowe:
Alzheimer’s disease; family care; awareness; caregiving; social supportAbstrakt
The aim of the study was to examine families’ awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and their preparedness to provide care in the home environment, emphasizing both cognitive and emotional dimensions of caregiving readiness. The research aimed to evaluate the level of understanding regarding the nature and progression of the disease, the perception of early symptoms, and families’ ability to navigate health and welfare systems in order to access appropriate professional and community-based support. Particular attention was paid to assessing attitudes towards caregiving, recognition of care burden, and coping strategies adopted by relatives providing day- to-day assistance.The study focused not only on measuring knowledge about disease progression but also on identifying the availability, accessibility, and effectiveness of formal and informal networks of professional, psychological, and social support. The analysis incorporated factors such as socioeconomic status, previous caregiving experience, and intergenerational perspectives within households that included elderly persons with cognitive impairment. It is hypothesized that both family members and the general public possess a general awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and are capable of identifying basic sources of support, yet their understanding of long-term care requirements and specialized interventions remains limited.The findings are expected to contribute to assessing families’ readiness to assume caregiving roles, revealing areas in which systematic education and social infrastructure are insufficient. Results may inform public health policies and community-based programs aimed at empowering families through training, counseling, and integrated care pathways. The study ultimately underscores the need for a coordinated approach involving medical, psychological, and social services to strengthen family competence and resilience in managing Alzheimer’s disease in home-based settings.
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