Stress on relative caregivers of dementia sufferers, and predictors of the breakdown of community care
Corresponding Author
Dr. Bill Jerrom
Head of Clinical Psychology Services for Adults, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
Head of Clinical Psychology and Special Lecturer (Bristol University), Longfox Unit, Weston General Hospital, Weston-super-Mare, Avon BS23 4TQ, UKSearch for more papers by this authorIhsan Mian
Consultant Psychiatrist and Honorary Lecturer (Bristol University), Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
Search for more papers by this authorNemal G. Rukanyake
Clinical Assistant, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
Search for more papers by this authorDavid Prothero
Information Team Manager, Bristol and District Health Authority, Manulife House, Bristol BS1 3NU, UK
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Dr. Bill Jerrom
Head of Clinical Psychology Services for Adults, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
Head of Clinical Psychology and Special Lecturer (Bristol University), Longfox Unit, Weston General Hospital, Weston-super-Mare, Avon BS23 4TQ, UKSearch for more papers by this authorIhsan Mian
Consultant Psychiatrist and Honorary Lecturer (Bristol University), Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
Search for more papers by this authorNemal G. Rukanyake
Clinical Assistant, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
Search for more papers by this authorDavid Prothero
Information Team Manager, Bristol and District Health Authority, Manulife House, Bristol BS1 3NU, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The stress upon the principal relative caregivers of a series of dementia sufferers attending an assessment day hospital was studied. The main variables influencing stress levels were the caregiver's own health self-rating and a measure of behaviour and mood disturbance in the patient. Predictors of the breakdown of community care over a 1-year follow-up period were studied. At 12 months caregiver's ‘caseness’ on the GHQ was a highly significant predictor. Clinical work with dementia sufferers in the community should include an assessment of the health and psychological status of the caregiver. Future research should focus upon evaluating specifically targeted interventions aimed at reducing stress in caregivers.
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