Geriatric rehabilitation and caregiver perception of burden : a randomized control study

This dissertation describes the results of a randomized controlled trial of caregivers whose frail elders were randomized to a Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit (GARU) or to usual care in the community. Previous research has demonstrated that the functional status of elders contributes to caregivers' perception of burden. Other studies have demonstrated that GARU care improves elder patient function. The research questions were: Does locus of treatment effect caregiver perception of burden? Does change in elder functional status have an effect on caregiver perception of burden? (Variables of interest were elder ADL, bladder and bowel function, depressive symptomatology, and mental status.) Are elder and caregiver characteristics (age, race, gender, residence and relationship to elder) associated with caregiver perception of burden? A semi-structured telephone interview with caregivers was utilized to collect data on caregiver perception of burden. No significant difference in caregiver perception of burden was found between GARU caregivers and community caregivers. Change in total ADL function and change in depressive symptomatology were not associated with burden. Change in mental status and bladder and bowel function were associated with burden, but not in the expected direction. Additionally function on some individual ADL tasks was associated with burden. Finally, gender and relationship to elders were statistically related to caregiver perception of burden. Race was related to burden only in the community caregivers with white caregivers experiencing more burden.