A Comparison of Caregivers for Elderly Stroke and Dementia Victims

Abstract

Objective To compare elderly co‐resident caregivers of stroke and dementia patients on measures of burden and psychological morbidity. Design Cohort study. Setting Caregivers interviewed at home. Subjects Convenience sample, 99 co‐resident caregivers of dementia and stroke patients registered with a community rehabilitation and geriatric service and who were 60 years or over. Main Outcome Measures Caregiver burden as measured by self‐administered questionnaire and subsequent interview, using the Relatives Stress Scale (RSS) and psychological morbidity as measured on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results Forty‐six percent of caregivers had significant psychological morbidity (GHQ >4). Mean RSS score was 12.2 (SD 5.4). No significant differences were found between stroke and dementia caregivers on these measures. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with psychological morbidity in both caregiver groups. Behavior and mood disturbance in the patient was significantly correlated with burden (dementia caregivers r = 0.66; stroke caregivers r = 0.49, P < 0.0001) and psychological morbidity (dementia caregivers r = 0.44, P < 0.01; stroke caregivers r = 0.30, P < 0.05). Caregiver's dissatisfaction with participation in life activities was correlated with burden (dementia caregivers r = 0.58; stroke caregivers r = 0.63, P < 0.0001) and psychological morbidity (dementia caregivers r = 0.67, stroke caregivers r = 0.56, P, 0.0001). Conclusion Elderly co‐resident caregivers for stroke and dementia patients experience similar degrees of burden and high levels of psychological morbidity. Psychiatric aspects of chronic disability, rather than physical aspects, were found to be more stressful to caregivers. All assessments of the disabled elderly should include measures of caregiver burden and psychological distress.