Depression and health in family caregivers: adaptation over time.
This study examined the predictors of caregiver depression and "adaptation" over time in a sample of 202 family caregivers of cognitively impaired adults.  By examining caregiver adaptation (i.e., a caregiver's ability to adjust psychologically to the demands of providing long-term in-home care), we were able to account for initial levels of depression, regression to the mean, and floor and ceiling effects.  Results indicated that the strongest predictors of caregiver depression 1 year after baseline were initial levels of depression, worsening of caregiver subjective physical health status and burden, and short-term use of in-home respite assistance.  These findings suggest that caregivers who experience deterioration in levels of physical health and burden and who use in-home respite on a short-term or sporadic basis may be especially vulnerable to the chronic stress of providing long-term in-home care.
Whitlatch
C J
CJ
Benjamin Rose Institute, Cleveland, OH  44114, USA.
Feinberg
L F
LF
Sebesta
D S
DS
D002140:California; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors