Caregiver Reward and Burden: Differing Constructs in Family Members Providing Care for Medically Ill Homebound Older Adults.

TitleCaregiver Reward and Burden: Differing Constructs in Family Members Providing Care for Medically Ill Homebound Older Adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsWilkins VM, Sirey JAnne, Bruce ML
JournalJ Aging Health
Volume32
Issue5-6
Pagination361-370
Date Published2020 Jun/Jul
ISSN1552-6887
KeywordsAged, Aged, 80 and over, Caregivers, Cost of Illness, Depression, Family, Female, Home Care Services, Home Nursing, Homebound Persons, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Patients, Reward
Abstract

Objective: This study examined the relationship between caregiver burden and reward and how each relates to factors, such as depression, within the caregiving dyad. Method: A total of 101 older adults and their primary family caregivers were recruited upon enrolling in home health care services. Patients were assessed for sociodemographic information, depression, disability, pain, and caregiver support at baseline and at 8 weeks. Caregivers were assessed at baseline for sociodemographic information, depression, caregiver burden, caregiver reward, and caregiving tasks they provide. Results: Burden and reward were significantly inversely correlated, but differentially associated with distinct patient and caregiver variables. Patients whose caregivers reported higher baseline levels of caregiver reward were more likely to have lower depression scores at follow-up. Discussion: Given that different aspects of patients and caregivers influence reward and burden, assessing caregivers for both burden and reward may better target caregiver interventions at the individual and family levels, particularly for older adult depression.

DOI10.1177/0898264319825760
Alternate JournalJ Aging Health
PubMed ID30675813
Grant ListT32 MH019132 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States