Abstract
Background: Informal care plays a substantial role in the provision of total care in dementia. Several reviews have been published on the predictive factors of subjective burden; however, such a review lacks information on objective burden, which refers to the amount and/or costs of informal care. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) give an overview of the predictive factors that are associated with the objective burden of informal care; (2) discuss whether these factors are similar to the predictive factors of subjective burden; and (3) examine whether they are modifiable. Design: The literature in a number of international databases was systematically searched. Methodological quality and level of certainty were assessed. Results: Ten studies were identified as relevant for the purpose of this review, describing a total of 39 predictive factors. Three factors (behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning and cognition) were considered to be predictors of objective burden. Three factors were not related; 12 were potential predictors; and the results of the remaining 22 factors were inconclusive. Conclusions: Many factors were found to be (potential) predictors of objective burden, reflecting its complex nature. Objective and subjective burdens are 2 different relevant aspects of informal care. Interventions aimed at countering behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning could reduce objective burden.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 197-204 |
Journal | Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- dementia
- cognitive disorder
- informal care
- burden
- review
- costs