Stress Among Caregivers of Hip Fracture Patients

Abstract

Abstract In this longitudinal study of stress among caregivers of patients up to one year following hip fracture, scores on the Caregiver Strain Index (Robinson, 1983) declined overall from 2, 6, to 12-month follow-up. However, 2 of the 13 items were reported at increasing rates and caregiver strain increased by twelve-month follow-up among care-givers living with a patient who fell during the follow-up period. Recommendations for addressing modifiable factors associated with care-giver stress include promoting functioning in activities of daily living, medication monitoring and environmental modifications, addressing positive aspects of caregiving, plus further exploration of social supports and services for caregivers.