The Impact of Perceived Adequacy of Social Support on Caregiving Burden of Family Caregivers

In: Families in society: the journal of contemporary human services, Band 92, Heft 1, S. 99-106

Abstract

Social support is important for family caregivers. This study examined the effect of family caregivers' perceived adequacy of social support on caregiver burden. Data were obtained from a random sample of 340 family caregivers of adults aged 65 and older in Calgary, Canada, through telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire. Three questions measured caregivers' perceived adequacy of social support in emotional, caregiving-related activities and in financial and material assistance domains. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview. Using hierarchical multiple regression, a higher level of perceived adequacy of social support was significantly related to a lower level of caregiving burden. The findings illustrate the importance of practitioners providing tangible and affordable services to family caregivers.