ASSESSMENT OF BURDEN, CONTROL, AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT OF THE CAREGIVERS OF ABUSED ELDERS (ELDERLY).
Contributors: Rutgers University.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 236
Subjects: Gerontology.; Health Sciences, Public Health.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The purpose of this investigation is to contribute to an understanding of the causal factors of elder abuse and the support services that most benefit caregivers. In Part I, 24 caregivers of abused elders were matched to 24 caregivers of dependent elderly. Each of these caregivers completed a 42-item questionnaire designed to assess caregiver perceptions of burden and sense of control and to determine which types of support services are of the most benefit to caregivers. In Part II, 123 health care professionals and a second group of 39 caregivers of dependent elderly were surveyed in order to identify effective services and the types of burden experienced by caregivers. These caregivers were interviewed in person by the researcher using an 86-item questionnaire. In Part III, two caregiver support groups were interviewed using a focus-group format and a third group was surveyed by mail. The questions centered on caregiver burden and professional support of caregivers.

The caregivers of abused elders in this study report burden in more areas than do the caregivers of dependent elderly, and they report a greater amount of burden in most areas. "Experienced frictions with neighbors, friends, or relatives outside the home" and "Had financial problems" are the most significant independent variables in accounting for the differences between the two groups. "Had less time to spend with friends" ranked high as a burden area with both the caregivers of abused elders and the caregivers of dependent elderly.

The caregivers of abused elders report a greater need for professional support and services than do the caregivers of dependent elderly. The caregivers of abused elders, the caregivers of dependent elderly, and the health care professionals are all in agreement that "Provide assistance with physical care" is one of the primary needs of people who care for elderly people in the community.

While the health care professionals in this study appear to be aware of many of the burdens experienced by caregivers, they demonstrate little understanding of the extent to which caregivers experience loss of friendships and of the importance of this loss to caregivers.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-11, Section: A, page: 4875.

Thesis (PH.D.)--RUTGERS THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY - NEW BRUNSWICK, 1996.

School code: 0190.