DEPRESSION AND HEALTH IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS - ADAPTATION OVER TIME

This study examined the predictors of caregiver depression and ''adapt ation'' over time in a sample of 202 family caregivers of cognitively impaired adults, By examining caregiver adaptation (i.e., a caregiver' s ability to adjust psychologically to the demands of providing long-t erm in-home care), we were able to account for initial levels of depre ssion, regression to the mean, and floor and ceiling effects. Results indicated that the strongest predictors of caregiver depression 1 year after baseline were initial levels of depression, worsening of caregi ver subjective physical health status and burden, and short-term use o f in-home respite assistance. These findings suggest that caregivers w ho experience deterioration in levels of physical health and burden an d who use in-home respite on a short-term or sporadic basis may be esp ecially vulnerable to the chronic stress of providing long-term in-hom e care.