Family functioning in the caregivers of patients with dementia

BACKGROUND: Caregiver burden has been extensively studied in the dementia population. The marital relationship has been suggested as a mediational model through which variables influence the caregiver and contribute to the experience of burden or reward. OBJECTIVES: This study examines family functioning, caregiver burden and reward and quality of life in 38 family members caring for a relative with dementia. METHODS: Caregivers of out-patients with dementia completed self report questionnaires. RESULTS: 63% of caregivers were female with a mean age of 62 years. Patient mean age was 73 years. The average number of caregiving years was 3.1. Caregivers were more likely to be spouses (61%) than children (29%) or other relatives (11%). Despite the fact that caregivers reported that their relatives were moderately disabled, they perceived more reward than burden. Caregivers who reported poor family functioning had higher ratings of strain and burden. Family functioning in these caregivers was poorest in the dimensions of affective responsiveness, problem solving and communication but it was also impaired in roles and affective involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing a family's functioning may be an important factor in the care of the dementia patient and his/her family.