Impact of Behavioral Symptoms on Care Partners
Author Information
Author(s): Diane Berish
Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Hypothesis
The study examines the relationship between behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and care partner outcomes, mediated by care partner distress.
Conclusion
The study found that BPSD severity directly affects care partner outcomes, particularly their desire to institutionalize and their burden, with care partner distress playing a significant mediating role.
Supporting Evidence
- NPI severity had direct effects on desire to institutionalize.
- NPI severity had statistically significant direct effects on care partner burden.
- Care partner distress mediated the relationship between NPI severity and care partner outcomes.
Takeaway
When someone with dementia shows challenging behaviors, it can really stress their family caregivers, making them feel overwhelmed and more likely to want to place their loved one in a care facility.
Methodology
The study used mediation models with repeated measures data from the Fam-FFC study, analyzing NPI scores at discharge and post-discharge to assess care partner outcomes.
Limitations
The study did not find significant effects for care partner preparedness, indicating a potential gap in understanding this outcome.
Participant Demographics
Care partners of patients with dementia, specific demographics not provided.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0119, p=0.0038, p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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