The relationship between caregiver burden and depressive symptoms in Ontario home care clients

The relationship between caregiver burden and depressive symptoms in Ontario home care clients

Author:
Publication type: 
Journal Article
Year: 
2018
Journal/Series title: 
Home Health Care Serv Q
Volume number: 
37
Issue: 
1
Pages: 
60-76
ISSN/ISBN: 
0162-1424
Abstract: 

The onset of depressive symptoms is common in home care clients and their caregivers. Understanding the experience of the informal caregiver can assist clinicians in providing services to maximize the well-being of both the client and their caregivers. The objectives of this article are to examine risk factors for the development of depressive symptoms. A longitudinal analysis design was completed for clients with 2+ assessments. The development of depressive symptoms was defined as a Depression Rating Scale score of 3+ on re-assessment. The results-overall, 10.7% of clients experienced new depressive symptoms and clients with a caregiver who was feeling distressed, angry, or depressed were 45% more likely to develop symptoms.