Determinants of the desire to institutionalize in Alzheimer's caregivers

Damien Gallagher, Aine Ni Mhaolain, Lisa Crosby, Deirdre Ryan, Loretto Lacey, Robert F. Coen, Cathal Walsh, Davis Coakley, J. Bernard Walsh, Conal Cunningham, Brian A. Lawlor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The desire to institutionalize is an important predictor of future institutionalization. Few studies have examined potentially modifiable caregiver characteristics which might be the focus of future interventional strategies. Methods: A total of 102 patient/caregiver dyads with Alzheimer's disease (n = 84) or mild cognitive impairment were recruited through a memory clinic. Cross-sectional analyses of a range of patients, caregivers, and context of care-related characteristics were conducted. Results: Caregiver desire to institutionalize was significantly associated with a number of potentially modifiable variables including caregiver coping style, self-efficacy, depression, burden, and the presence of an unmet service need. In a multivariate analysis, caregiver burden, depression, and nonspousal status were the only significant independent predictors of caregiver desire to institutionalize in a model which correctly classified 80.4% of caregivers. Conclusions: Interventions which seek to reduce caregiver desire to institutionalize should adopt a multifactorial approach to reduce symptoms of burden and depression in caregivers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-211
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • burden
  • depression
  • institutionalization

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