Caregiver outcomes and burden three months into a brain injury survivor\u27s recovery

The purpose of the present research was to identify what caregiver background variables contribute to caregiver outcomes three months after a brain-injury survivor has been discharged from inpatient care. When available, indicators of survivor depression, physical and emotional functioning were tested to see if they provided any additional value to prediction of caregiver outcomes. The archived data of 31 adult caregivers of a brain-injury survivor were accessed; of these, 17 were paired with a survivor who was able and/or willing to participate. Background data was collected during the survivor’s hospital stay. At three months post-discharge, caregivers completed measures of life-changes as a result of providing care, caregiver burden, and affective distress. Participating survivors completed measures of depression and physical and emotional functioning. Caregivers with higher levels of education and who were employed part-time indicated significantly less negative life-changes. Spouses (rather than parents) indicated a significantly higher level of difficulty associated with providing care. Significant predictors of life-changes included the caregiver’s relationship to the survivor, education level, and the type of injury sustained by the survivor. Significant predictors of the amount of time devoted to providing care included the relationship to the survivor and the total number of individuals in the home. The importance of setting appropriate expectations for caregivers during the post-acute recovery phase is discussed. Implications for future research and clinical practice are reviewed