Abstract of N. Gilad Lecture

PERCEPTION OF FEEDING TASKS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
OF DIRECT CAREGIVERS IN INSTITUTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH
COGNITIVE DISABILITIES


N. Gilad1, D. Sachs2
Ofakim School, IsraelUniversity of HaifaIsrael


Direct caregivers employed in institutions of people with cognitive
disabilities are providing all the needs of the residents. Occurring
several times daily, feeding becomes one of the most important
interactions between staff and residents. As residents have various
eating problems, the act of feeding can become complex, and
occasionally difficult and stressful (Case-Smith, 2007; Pagano, 2000).
The purpose of the research is to examine the variables and construct
a model that explain how direct caregivers' attitudes to, and
perceptions of, the different aspects of feeding tasks relate to their
feelings of stress, and to work satisfaction. Method: This study utilized
quantitative methods of analysis, including Structural Equitation
Modeling (SEM). Direct caregivers (272), Israeli-born Jews and Arabs,
new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), and from
Ethiopia, working in 13 institutions for people with cognitive
disabilities, participated in the study. Caregivers completed four
questionnaires. Results: The hypothesis stating that the model for
quality of work environment for direct caregivers integrates
background variables of perceptions of feeding tasks (support and
clear definition of role, knowledge and skills, and autonomy),
independent variables of participating in professional courses,
mediator variables of workload, affects outcome measures of
caregivers' level of stress and degree of satisfaction, was confirmed.
Conclusions: The requirements for feeding tasks must be clearly
defined, and support must be rendered to caregivers while doing this
job. Listening to caregivers and involving them in decision making will
help for planning valuable workshops and training programs for them.



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