Factors Affecting Burden of Family Caregivers of the Home-bound Elderly Disabled

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors affecting the burden of family caregivers of home-bound disabled elderly persons. [Subjects] Data were collected for 66 home-bound disabled elderly persons (mean age of 81.4 +/- 9.7) and their 66 family caregivers (mean age of 62.4 +/- 5) who were living at home in Kobe city, Hyogo. [Method] Capacity to perform ADL was assessed using the Barthel Index for the home-bound disabled elderly persons. The care burden and health status of their family caregivers were also evaluated. [Results] There was no significant correlation between ADL, the grade of care required for home-bound disabled elderly persons and family caregivers' burden. It was also revealed that the family caregivers' burdens were determined by their state of depression. [Conclusion] These results suggest that social and psychological supports are necessary to reduce the burden of family caregivers.