Exploring Strain in Community and Nursing Home Family Caregivers

Abstract

This research compared strain among 581 family caregivers of nursing home and community dwelling older persons whose level of cognitive impairment ranged from none to severe. The study explored differences between the two caregiver groups in global and domain-specific strain, the impact of elders' cognitive impairments on strain, and correlates of strain. In models controlling for important correlates of caregiving, findings revealed no differences between caregiver groups on any measure of strain. Cognitive impairment was associated with increases in all strain measures for community caregivers, but only increased overall and emotional strain for nursing home caregivers. Characteristics of caregivers and caregiving situations were related to strain differently, depending on the domain of strain and examined and the site of care. Implications for practice in nursing home settings are discussed.