BURDEN OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF THE ELDERLY AND FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR BURDEN

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the burden of family caregivers of the elderly and the factors affecting their burden. Materials and Method: This descriptive study was conducted on families providing home care for 270 people above the age of 60 who were registered to the elderly care unit of Yenierenkoy Medical Center in Northern Cyprus. The sample consisted of 242 family caregivers who agreed to participate in our study. We used a descriptive questionnaire and the Zarit Burden Interview for data collection. The data were collected between February and May 2017. Results: Of the participants, 32.2% were between the ages of 31 and 40, 69.8% were female, 79.8% were married, and 30.2% were high school graduates. In addition, 52.5% were the children of the elderly people they cared for and 58.3% had been providing home care for the elderly for six or more years. The income of 60.7% of the participants was insufficient to meet their expenses, 83.5% had one or more children, and 28.2% had chronic illnesses. We found that Zarit Burden Interview scores were higher for caregivers who were below the age of 30, had lower income, and who did not have children or chronic illnesses. Conclusion: Further qualitative studies must analyze the impact of burden of care on the quality of caregiving for elderly people.