Title | Interdependence in Health and Functioning Among Older Spousal Caregivers and Care Recipients. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Hoffman, GJ, Burgard, S, Mendez-Luck, CA, Gaugler, JE |
Journal | West J Nurs Res |
Volume | 41 |
Issue | 5 |
Pagination | 685-703 |
Date Published | 05/2019 |
ISSN | 1552-8456 |
Keywords | Aged, 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. |
DOI | 10.1177/0193945918781057 |
Alternate Journal | West J Nurs Res |
PubMed ID | 29900758 |