The Effects of Placement in Nursing Homes on Family Caregivers: Short and Long Term Consequences

The consequences for caregivers when placing a relative with dementia into a nursing home were examined for a sample of caregivers. Consistent with the stress process model of caregiving, institutionalization was hypothesised to have a large impact on the primary effects of caregiving, and lesser influence on secondary effects and well-being. A sample of 517 family caregivers was followed over a 2-year period. Participants who placed their relatives in nursing homes during that period were compared on several indicators of care giving stress to family members continuing care at home. Following placement, relatives experienced relief from primary effects of caregiving (e.g., feelings of overload and tension), while other indicators of stress remained unchanged. Long term follow-up indicated no further decreases in stress