2024 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 44-51
Aim: This study examined the influence of disabled older adults' home-based life space on caregiver burden.
Methods: The participants included 60 disabled older adults (20 men and 40 women; mean age 83.9±6.0 years) who received day-care services and their primary caregivers (n=60; 15 men and 45 women; mean age 66.1±12.1 years). Caregiver burden was assessed using the short version of the Japanese Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (J-ZBI_8). Caregivers completed a questionnaire assessing the older adults' home-based life space. The questionnaire assessed composite scores for activity range, frequency, and degree of independence (Hb-CS). Cognitive function was assessed using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R). We performed propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:2(higher burden group: J-ZBI_8 score of 13 points and over vs lower burden group: J-ZBI_8 score of less than 13 points). A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between life space and caregiver burden.
Results: Disabled participants in the lower burden group had a significantly higher HDS-R score and range of activities using assistive devices than those in the higher burden group. Hb-CS was an independent predictor of higher burden (odds ratio: 0.973; 95% confidence interval: 0.944-0.999).
Conclusions: To alleviate caregiver burden it is essential to maintain the scope, frequency, and degree of activity independence.
