A Prospective Study of Caregiver Burden in an Outpatient Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Program

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of caregiver burden on admission to a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) program and identified the predictors of a reduction in caregiver burden at four-month follow-up. A total of 141 patient/caregiver dyads participated (76.6% of patients had a diagnosis of dementia). Using multiple regression analysis, four variables emerged as the determinants of caregiver burden on admission: lower caregiver well-being, higher frequency of patient dysfunctional behaviors, providing assistance with personal care tasks, and dissatisfaction with help received (R2 = 0.55, P < 0.001). At follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in caregiver burden only among those who expressed “high” burden on admission (P < 0.05). Higher baseline burden, providing less than 15 hours of weekly assistance, a positive change in caregiver well-being, and the caregivers' perception of sufficiency of help received from informal sources predicted a reduction in burden (R2 = 0.45, P < 0.001). The results inform future risk appraisal and targeting strategies in this setting.