Caregiver adaptations to having a relative with dementia admitted to a nursing home

  • Carol Cutler Riddick*
  • , Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
  • , Edith Fleshner
  • , Gladys Kraft
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined caregivers’ adaptation to placing a relative, who suffers from dementia, in a nursing home. Relatives of 84 residents of a non-proprietary skilled nursing facility participated in the study. The perception of burden in caring for their relative decreased significantly following nursing home placement. The effects of the stress of having a loved one with dementia on caregiver’s emotional adaptation and perceived burden was dependent on familial relationship. Care-receiver’s acceptance of the nursing home placement and length of caregiving affected caregiver’s burden, which, in turn, affected emotions regarding nursing home placement, satisfaction with the nursing home, and social- recreational activities. Satisfaction with the nursing home was negatively related to the caregiver’s sense of burden, to the care-receiver’s resistance to nursing home placement, and to length of nursing home stay. Implications of the study are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51-76
Number of pages26
JournalJournal of Gerontological Social Work
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 9 Oct 1992
Externally publishedYes

Funding

Funders
Gallaudet University
Hymen and Sadie Goldman Memorial Endowment lo the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington Correspondence
U.S. Administration on Aging

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