Problems experienced by informal caregivers with older care recipients with and without cognitive impairment

Abstract

The care of older persons can have negative impact on the caregiver. The objective of this population-based observational study is to identify problems experienced by informal caregivers, and the extent of related difficulties, in their care of older care-dependent recipients with and without cognitive impairment. Caregivers (n = 2,704) caring for a home-dwelling person aged ≥ 75 years responded to a questionnaire with 23 questions on problems and related difficulties by mail. Prevalence of self-reported problems and related difficulties was calculated. The impact of the problem was estimated by weighing the percentage of problems reported as being difficult against the prevalence of problems. The median number of problems was 12 (range 0-23), with 5 (range 0-23) reported as difficult. Informal caregivers experience a variety of problems, with the impossibility to engage in joint social activities having the highest impact. The impact of problems increased when the care recipient had a cognitive problem.

Caregiver Role Strain in Informal Caregivers for the Elderly

“…5,30 Studies also show that the health state of the care recipient, in this case the cognitive problems of the elderly, contributes to CRS. [5][6]31 In fact, changes in the mental processes of the elderly with the possibility of behavioral changes, especially those related to their safety, usually lead to physical and emotional overload on the caregiver. 31 Caregivers for older people with behavioral problems and dementia are more prone to depression because they are usually unprepared to deal with these changes in the elderly.…”

Changing home care aides: Differences between family and non-family care in California Medicaid home and community-based services

“…Instead, the association between 3+ ADL limitations and change to other family suggest that higher caregiver burden leads to a change of HCA. Recipients and/ or their families may switch to non-family care due to the particular challenges of caring for those with cognitive limitations (Kasper, Freedman, Spillman, & Wolff, 2015;Kim & Schulz, 2008;Van Bruggen et al, 2016). Recipient substance use disorders and central nervous system disorders were associated with both changing to other family and switching to non-family, perhaps due to higher physical and emotional burdens.…”

Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of Risk When Care Is Given in Patients' Homes

“…This could pose an unpredictable risk, as the home environment may limit the healthcare professionals' ability to observe the quality of care that informal caregivers deliver (Ellenbecker et al, 2008). Further, both patients and their families are in a vulnerable and stressful position, and many of them lack knowledge about the drugs and technical equipment they are expected to handle (Romagnoli et al, 2013;Van Bruggen et al, 2016). One incorrect decision could influence the future of the patient.…”