title: Measuring the positive and negative aspects of the caring role in community versus aged care setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the positive and negative aspects of family caregiving in two settings: community and aged care facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Postal questionnaires included the short Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and a scale developed for this study: Positive Aspects of Caring Scale (PACS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of responses of 90 carers showed high burden levels, with no difference between care settings. Carers of an older person with a cognitive condition showed higher burden. There was no association between carer burden and positive attitudes. Carers in community settings recorded lower levels of positive attitudes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The two measures (ZBI and PACS) may be a useful clinical tool to provide a balanced assessment of carers' experiences. The high burden found in both carer groups indicates the need for greater awareness, and improved support for carers, across the care continuum, from home to aged care facility.
authors: Rural Health Academic Centre, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Julie F
authors: JF
authors: Pallant
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Reid
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000628:therapy; D003153:Community Health Services; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria
keywords: attitude; burden; caregiving; family carer; residential aged care facility