Living well trajectories among family caregivers of people with mild-to-moderate dementia in the IDEAL cohort

Clare, Linda, Gamble, Laura D., Martyr, Anthony, Sabatini, Serena, Nelis, Sharon M., Quinn, Catherine, Pentecost, Claire, Victor, Christina, Jones, Roy W., Jones, Ian R., Knapp, Martin ORCID: 0000-0003-1427-0215, Litherland, Rachael, Morris, Robin G., Rusted, Jennifer M., Thom, Jeanette M., Collins, Rachel, Henderson, Catherine ORCID: 0000-0003-4340-4702 and Matthews, Fiona E. (2022) Living well trajectories among family caregivers of people with mild-to-moderate dementia in the IDEAL cohort. The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 77 (10). 1852 - 1863. ISSN 1079-5014

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Understanding whether and how caregivers' capability to "live well" changes over time, and the factors associated with change, could help target effective caregiver support. METHODS: We analyzed 3 time points (12 months apart) of Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) cohort data from coresident spouse caregivers of community-dwelling individuals who had mild-to-moderate dementia at baseline, using latent growth and growth mixture models. Capability to "live well" was derived from measures of quality of life, well-being, and satisfaction with life. RESULTS: Data from 995 spouse caregivers at Time 1, 780 at Time 2, and 601 at Time 3 were included. The mean "living well" score decreased slightly over time. We identified 3 classes of caregivers: one with higher baseline scores declining slightly over time (Stable; 66.8%), one with low baseline scores remaining stable (Lower Stable; 26.0%), and one with higher baseline scores showing marked decline (Declining; 7.2%). Scores on baseline measures differentiated the Lower Stable, but not the Declining, from the Stable class. Longitudinally, the Declining class was associated with care recipient cognitive decline and increasing hours providing care, as well as caregiver stress and depression. Findings were similar when caregivers with other kin relationships were included. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate the importance of prompt identification of, and support for, caregivers at risk of the declining capability to "live well" and may assist in identifying those caregivers who could benefit most from targeted support.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Authors
Divisions:	Care Policy and Evaluation Centre
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2022 13:09
Last Modified:	30 Nov 2024 23:39
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/117165

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