Anxiety in family caregivers of hospitalized persons with dementia: contributing factors and responses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Baseline health and functional vulnerabilities increase the risk for complications in persons with dementia and predispose family caregivers (FCGs) to increased stress.

Methods

This secondary analysis used a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. Regression analyses examined the contribution of patient and FCG characteristics to FCG anxiety. Interviews with FCGs explored the experiences and responses of FCGs during hospitalization of their family member with dementia.

Results

Lower patient physical function and higher caregiver strain were associated with higher FCG anxiety. FCGs described the following themes related to the hospitalization: (1) added strain, (2) care-related worries, (3) keeping vigil, (4) need to be heard, and (5) enablers of FCG

SUBMITTER: Boltz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4714710 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature