Predictors of Change in Caregiver Burden and Depressive Symptoms Following Nursing Home Admission

Overview

Journal Psychol Aging

Publisher American Psychological Association

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2009 Jun 3

PMID 19485656

Citations 42

Authors

Joseph E Gaugler

Mary S Mittelman

Kenneth Hepburn

Robert Newcomer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Prior research has yielded discrepant findings regarding change in caregiver burden or depressive symptoms after institutionalization of persons with dementia. However, earlier studies often included small postplacement samples. In samples of 1,610 and 1,116 dementia caregivers with up to 6 months' and 12 months' postplacement data, respectively, this study identified predictors of change in caregiver burden and depressive symptoms following nursing home admission. Descriptive analyses found that caregivers reported significant and considerable decreases in burden in the 6- and 12-month postplacement panels. A number of variables predicted increased burden and depressive symptoms in the 6- and 12-month postplacement panels. Preplacement measures of burden and depressive symptoms, site (Florida), overnight hospital use, and spousal relationship appear to result in impaired caregiver well-being following nursing home admission. Incorporating more specific measures of stress, considering the influence of health-related transitions, and coordinating clinical strategies that balance caregivers' needs for placement with sustainability of at-home care are important challenges for future research.

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