care provision

Background: Being an informal carer of a person with dementia (PwD) can have a negative effect on the carer’s health and quality of life, and spouse carers have been found to be especially vulnerable. Yet relatively little is known about the care provided and support received by spouse carers. This study compares spouse carers to other informal carers of PwDs regarding their care provision, the support received and the psychosocial impact of care.

During later life, older adults may be caregiving for people with late-onset mental health issues. The situation can alter family relationships and cause role transitions. This article offers three late-life mental health scenarios that require spouses or partners, adult children, and-or others to deal with an older adult family member's mood and behavior changes. Through case examples, the author explores geriatric depression, complicated grief, and provision of extended care for persons with severe mental illness, and highlights support for older care providers.

Longitudinal studies of caregiver burden when caring for persons with dementia living at home are sparse. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with caregiver burden and predicting increased burden related to caregivers, persons with dementia and formal care. Data were collected through interviews with 1223 caregivers in eight European countries. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.