Family caregivers' assessments of caring for a relative with dementia: a comparison of urban and rural areas
- Författare
- Ehrlich K, Boström AM, Mazaheri M, Heikkilä K, Emami A.
- Titel
- Family caregivers' assessments of caring for a relative with dementia: a comparison of urban and rural areas
- Utgivningsår
- 2015
- Tidskrift
- Int J Older People Nurs
- Volym
- 10
- Häfte
- 1
- Sidor
- 27-37
- Sammanfattning
AIM: This study aimed to describe and compare urban and rural family caregivers'
reactions to caring for a relative with dementia and to examine the associations
between caregiving and socio-demographic factors.
BACKGROUND: Most studies on family caregivers' experiences caring for older
people with dementia have been conducted in urban areas, and little is known
about the experiences of family caregivers living in rural areas.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design was used.
METHODS: A total of 102 caregivers (response rate 85%) from urban (n=57) and
rural (n=46) areas completed the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) Scale and
demographic information. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential
statistics and linear regression models.
RESULTS: Overall, family caregivers reported high satisfaction even if they also
reported high impact on finances and daily living. Rural caregivers experienced a
higher negative impact on finances but reported more support from family members
than urban caregivers. Age, gender and relationship were significantly associated
with four of the five CRA subscales. Educational level and geographical setting
were not associated with any of the CRA subscales.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study raise questions about the financial
situation of older female caregivers and on the expectations of built-in family
structures in urban and rural areas. Further studies focusing on the meaning and
constitution of a family would help us to understand how these factors influence
family caregiving both in rural and urban areas.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To provide person-centred care and to avoid
stereotyped caregiving, a better picture of traditions in family caregiving can
improve a more differentiated and appropriate professional caregiving pliable
with the cultural context in which it is carried out.