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The Prevalence of Caregiving in a Family Practice

Kathryn M. Andolsek, MD, MPH; Nancy E. Clapp-Channing, MPH; Stephen H. Gehlbach, MD, MPH; Irene Moore, ACSW; Valerie S. Proffitt, PA-C; Alverta Sigmon; Gregg A. Warshaw, MD

Arch Intern Med. 1988;148(10):2177-2180.

Abstract
• Persons 65 years and older are the most rapidly growing age group in the United States. As age increases, functional ability deteriorates and the need for help from another person escalates. Caring for elderly persons experiencing functional deterioration is stressful, creating hidden patients among caregivers. This study surveyed randomly selected active family practice patients 40 years and older to determine the prevalence and extent of the caregiving role and functional disability among elderly relatives. One in five patients (126/ 602) surveyed had caregiving responsibilities for noninstitutionalized relatives (total, 153 patients). One third of caregivers lived with the relative; most of the remaining two thirds visited their relative at least twice weekly. Caregivers reported some functional impairment in 60% of their relatives, and substantial impairment in 40%. The caregiving experience is common, and the potential for stress from managing an elderly relative's disability is substantial. Further research is needed to elaborate on the burden of the caregiver.

(Arch Intern Med 1988;148:2177-2180)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center and Durham County General Hospital, Durham, NC (Dr Andolsek and Mss Clapp-Channing, Proffitt, and Sigmon); the Division of Public Health, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Dr Gehlbach); and the Department of Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati (Dr Warshaw and Ms Moore).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication July 1, 1988.

Reprint requests to Duke-Watts Family Medicine Program, 407 Crutchfield St, Durham, NC 27704 (Dr Andolsek).

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