TitleInterdependence in Health and Functioning Among Older Spousal Caregivers and Care Recipients.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsHoffman, GJ, Burgard, S, Mendez-Luck, CA, Gaugler, JE
JournalWest J Nurs Res
Volume41
Issue5
Pagination685-703
Date Published05/2019
ISSN1552-8456
KeywordsAged, Aged, 80 and over, Caregivers, Female, Health Status, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Spouses
Abstract

Older spousal caregiving relationships involve support that may be affected by the health of either the caregiver or care recipient. We conducted a longitudinal analysis using pooled data from 4,632 community-dwelling spousal care recipients and caregivers aged ⩾50 from the 2002 to 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. We specified logistic and negative binomial regression models using lagged predictor variables to assess the role of partner health status on spousal caregiver and care recipient health care utilization and physical functioning outcomes. Care recipients' odds of hospitalization, odds ratio (OR): 0.83, p<.001, decreased when caregivers had more ADL difficulties. When spouses were in poorer versus better health, care recipients' bed days decreased (4.69 vs. 2.54) while caregivers' bed days increased (0.20 vs. 0.96). Providers should consider the dual needs of caregivers caring for care recipients and their own health care needs, in adopting a family-centered approach to management of older adult long-term care needs.

DOI10.1177/0193945918781057
Alternate JournalWest J Nurs Res
PubMed ID29900758