Birgitte Schoenmakers1, Frank Buntinx, Jan De Lepeleire. 1. Academic Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. birgitte.schoenmakers@med.kuleuven.be
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of family caregivers are confronted with caring for a demented, community-dwelling relative. Living with, caring for, and supervising a demented older relative places a heavy burden on the involved family members. In particular, primary caregivers report increased strain, feelings of depression, and decreased general wellbeing as a direct consequence of care giving. Since the most common cause of failure of a home-care situation appears to be caregiver burnout, detecting critical, negative changes in the wellbeing of the caregiver is important. METHODS: In a nationwide, cross-sectional study by the Belgium Social Security Board, a population of demented older patients and their care-giving relatives was investigated. The care situation and characteristics of demented, older patients and their caregivers were inventoried, and their effects on the wellbeing of caregivers were evaluated. RESULTS: Approximately 30% (n = 28) of caregivers of demented, older relatives were depressed. Depression occurred independently of objective care characteristics and the mental and physical state of the demented patient. Rather, it was related to coping mechanisms and to the perceived burden reported by the caregiver. CONCLUSION: Offering support and counsel to caregivers is an important issue in efficiently maintaining home-care situations.
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of family caregivers are confronted with caring for a demented, community-dwelling relative. Living with, caring for, and supervising a demented older relative places a heavy burden on the involved family members. In particular, primary caregivers report increased strain, feelings of depression, and decreased general wellbeing as a direct consequence of care giving. Since the most common cause of failure of a home-care situation appears to be caregiver burnout, detecting critical, negative changes in the wellbeing of the caregiver is important. METHODS: In a nationwide, cross-sectional study by the Belgium Social Security Board, a population of demented older patients and their care-giving relatives was investigated. The care situation and characteristics of demented, older patients and their caregivers were inventoried, and their effects on the wellbeing of caregivers were evaluated. RESULTS: Approximately 30% (n = 28) of caregivers of demented, older relatives were depressed. Depression occurred independently of objective care characteristics and the mental and physical state of the demented patient. Rather, it was related to coping mechanisms and to the perceived burden reported by the caregiver. CONCLUSION: Offering support and counsel to caregivers is an important issue in efficiently maintaining home-care situations.
Authors: Laura Deckx; Doris van Abbema; Katherine Nelissen; Liesbeth Daniels; Piet Stinissen; Paul Bulens; Loes Linsen; Jean-Luc Rummens; Geert Robaeys; Eric T de Jonge; Bert Houben; Karin Pat; Daan Walgraeve; Luc Spaas; Jolanda Verheezen; Thessa Verniest; Alexander Goegebuer; Hans Wildiers; Franchette van den Berkmortel; Vivianne C Tjan-Heijnen; Frank Buntinx; Marjan van den Akker Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-10-25 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Leontien Jansen; Tine De Burghgraeve; Marjan van den Akker; Frank Buntinx; Birgitte Schoenmakers Journal: Health Soc Care Community Date: 2021-07-19