Reactions to caregiving in frailty research.
Frailty is a syndrome characterized by decreased functional ability and associated with institutionalization. Many community-living frail older people rely upon the support of a family member or friend. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the reactions to caring for older people empirically identified as frail. The objective of this study was to describe carers of community-living older people identified as frail, using accepted criteria, identify care characteristics and ascertain relationships that contribute to reactions to caregiving. A cross-section of carers of community-living frail people (≥ 70 years) completed a postal questionnaire; the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) evaluated reactions to caregiving. Ninety-three carers completed the questionnaire (68% response rate). Correlation and multivariate analysis of variance tests (MANOVA) demonstrated statistically significant relationships between several care characteristics and reactions to caregiving. Carers who provide more than 20 h of care per week and report a low self-perceived health status are susceptible to significant health and financial problems and disruption to their daily schedule. Two strategies for improving reactions to caring for persons with frailty are proposed: financial support that assists carers to improve their health status and the provision of regular formal assistance, rather than intermittent respite care.
Aggar
Christina
C
Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, 88 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. c.aggar@usyd.edu.au
Ronaldson
Susan
S
Cameron
Ian
I
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D012144:Respite Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires