Stress in caregivers of hospitalized oldest-old patients

Background. Stress in caregivers of elderly patients is a well-recognized h ealth care problem. However, little has been published about the stress in caregivers of the oldest-old patients, the most rapidly growing segment of our population. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted in four teaching hospital s. Questionnaires were administered to patients 80 years of age and older a nd their surrogates (the person who would make decisions if the patient wer e unable to-usually a family member) who identified themselves as the prima ry caregivers for the patients. Data were abstracted from medical records. Results. Caregivers tended to be female and 50 years of age or older. About one in five described her own health as fair or poor; nearly half of them lived with the patient. About one quarter spent at least 8 h/d caring for t he patient, and they had few persons available to help them with cure. Most of the caregivers reported mild-to-moderate levels of stress. After adjust ment, higher stress scores were associated with female caregivers. poorer c aregiver health, more hours per day spent caring for the patient, and the p resence of patient depression and hearing impairment. Conclusion. Stress is common in caregivers of the hospitalized oldest-old p atients. Women who are in poor health and spend 8 or more hours every day c aring for relatives aged 80 and over are at high risk for caregiver stress. Treatment of patient depression and hearing impairment may ameliorate care giver stress.