The impact of the quality of relationship on the experiences and wellbeing of caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic review

Authors: Quinn, Catherine1; Clare, Linda1; Woods, Bob1

Source: Aging and Mental Health, Volume 13, Number 2, March 2009 , pp. 143-154(12)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Background: Relatively little attention has been given to the effects of caregiving context on the experience of family members providing care for a person with dementia. This review aims to examine the impact of caregiving on the quality of the relationship between caregiver and care-recipient and the impact of the quality of the relationship between the caregiver and care-recipient on the caregiver's and care-recipient's wellbeing. Methods: This was a systematic review. Fifteen quantitative studies were identified that examined the quality of the relationship between caregivers and care-recipients who had dementia, meeting the criterion of using a measure of relationship quality beyond a single item. Results: The findings show that caregiving can have an impact on the quality of the relationship between caregiver and care-recipient. In addition, pre-caregiving and current relationship quality appear to have an impact on caregiver's wellbeing. The care-recipient's needs for help with activities of daily living and level of behavioural problems were found to influence the caregiver's perceptions of relationship quality. Conclusions: Future research should examine both current and pre-caregiving relationship quality. A better understanding of the role of relationship quality in determining the outcomes of caregiving will aid the development of more effective interventions for caregivers.

Keywords: systematic review; caregivers; relationship quality; dementia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/13607860802459799

Affiliations: 1: School of Psychology, Bangor University, Gwynedd, LL572AS, UK

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