The Influence of Primary Caregivers' Burden from the Disables Elderly's Usage of the Respite Service

• Main Authors: Wan-Tzu Yu, 游婉資
• Other Authors: Ho-Jui Tung
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/27786115010980165093

碩士 === 亞洲大學 === 健康產業管理學系健康管理組碩士在職專班 === 101 === Objectives Caregivers of disabled elders are vulnerable to psychological distress and burden. This study examine whether the use of respite care is associated with a relief on caregiver needs and burden. Methods A cross-sectional survey of caregivers of disabled elders was conducted in a long-term care referral center in central Taiwan. A total of 88 caregivers were recruited. Among them, 43 had utilized respite care and 45 of them did not use any types of respite care before. We compared the differences of the two groups of caregivers and the characteristics of the care recipients. The differences of the caregiver needs and burden scores between the two groups of caregivers were also examined. Results. Caregivers who had used respite care before scored lower on the caregiver burden and needs scales, when compared to those who had not used a respite care. Logistic regression results revealed that the use of a respite care was associated with the following factors: (1) whether the care recipient had an attached tube; (2) the marital status of the caregiver; (3) the disability level of the care recipient; and (4) the low-come status of the care recipient. Discussion The findings suggest that the use of a respite care could lead to a relief on caregiver needs and burden. However, the copayment of using a respite care was a hinder to caregivers and care recipients who did not qualify for a low-income waive of the copayment.