THE EFFECTS OF PLACEMENT IN NURSING-HOMES ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS - SHORT AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

The consequences for caregivers when placing a relative with dementia into a nursing home were examined for a sample of caregivers. Consiste nt with the stress process model of caregiving, institutionalization w as hypothesised to have a large impact on the primary effects of careg iving, and lesser influence on secondary effects and well-being. A sam ple of 517 family caregivers was followed over a 2-year period. Partic ipants who placed their relatives in nursing homes during that period were compared on several indicators of caregiving stress to family mem bers continuing care at home. Following placement, relatives experienc ed relief from primary effects of caregiving (e.g., feelings of overlo ad and tension), while other indicators of stress remained unchanged. Long term follow-up indicated no further decreases in stress.