Burden, satisfaction caregiving, and family relations in informal caregivers of older adults

Abstract

IntroductionFamily caregivers of older persons devote much of their time and energy to caring for another person. This exposure may burden caregivers and compromise their health and quality of life.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between burden, sociodemographic, caregiving, and health characteristics of informal caregivers of dependent older adults.MethodsCross-sectional and analytical study carried out in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, with 52 informal caregivers of older persons who need full-time help for basic living activities. Caregivers' burden was assessed by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data were analyzed using a T-test, Pearson's correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression.ResultsThe ZBI mean score of caregivers was 26.3 points (SD = 14.6; min = 0; max = 68). Burden scores were higher among caregivers who did not receive help from other people in care (p = 0.016), reported family dysfunction (p = 0.001), and had depression symptoms (p = 0.007). A correlation was found between the scores of burdens and satisfaction with care (r = 0.76; p < 0.001) and perceived material support (r = −0.30; p = 0.40). Satisfaction with care (β: 0.61; p < 0.001) and family dysfunction (β: 8.07; p = 0.033) were significantly associated with the burden score.ConclusionCaregivers with dysfunctional families and satisfaction with the care presented the highest-burden scores. The findings reveal the need for strategies to facilitate mediation and reduce caregiver burden by strengthening the family network support or providing professional assistance.

The moderating effect of care time on care-related characteristics and caregiver burden: differences between formal and informal caregivers of dependent older adults

“…However, we did not examine differences in burden according to the relationship between informal caregivers and older adults; this should be done in future studies. Additionally, the caregiving satisfaction of informal caregivers caring for older adults who need full-time help on basic daily activities was shown to have a significant impact on the burden of care ( 16 ). In previous studies, caregiving satisfaction was evaluated with the Caregiver Satisfaction Assessment Index (CSAI), which consists of 30 statements about positive aspects of caregiving.…”

“…Care-recipient factors influencing care burden were physical disability (11)(12)(13), mental dependency (11), and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (13). Caregiver factors were gender (11), age (13)(14)(15), satisfaction with care (16), caring time (10,17,18), duration of caregiving (11), care attitude (19), and stress (6,11). Lastly, the utilization of community services (20) and perceived social support (11,20) were social factors reported to affect caregiver burden of care.…”

Agitation Relief in Patients With Alzheimer Disease: A Combined Approach of Acupressure and Cholinesterase Inhibitors

“…Caregivers have numerous duties, including medical care, chores, and managing finances 30 . These responsibilities significantly impact their health and quality of life 31 .…”

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“…However, throughout the process of caregiving and growing older, there can be instances where the demands outweigh the rewarding feeling, causing significant strain on caregiver wellbeing and surrounding relationships 13,14,15 . As a result of caregiving responsibilities, family caregivers are less likely to have time for personal leisure, self-care, employment, and relaxation 16 . This lack of time can take a substantial toll on their health, affecting cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and physical health.…”