STRESS ON RELATIVE CAREGIVERS OF DEMENTIA SUFFERERS, AND PREDICTORS OF THE BREAKDOWN OF COMMUNITY CARE

The stress upon the principal relative caregivers of a series of dementia sufferers attending an assessment day hospital was studied. The main variables influencing stress levels were the caregiver's own health self-rating and a measure of behaviour and mood disturbance in the patient. Predictors of the breakdown of community care over a 1-year follow-up period were studied. At 12 months caregiver's 'caseness' on the GHQ was a highly significant predictor. Clinical work with dementia sufferers in the community should include an assessment of the health and psychological status of the caregiver. Future research should focus upon evaluating specifically targeted interventions aimed at reducing stress in caregivers.