Relationship between Family Burden, Family Support Depression, and Satisfaction of the Elderly Caregiver

Lee, Joo Young; Kim, Young Ae

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was aimed to explain the relationship of family burden, family support, depression and satisfaction among caregivers of the elderly.
METHODS
The study population were 126 caregivers of 5 elderly residing in institutionalized nursing homes in Seoul and Kyunggi. The research tool of this study was a structured questionnaire on family burden, family support, depression and satisfaction. The data were collected from March 13 to April 30, 2008, and analyzed by Cronbach's alpha, descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression by using the SPSS/WIN 14.0 program.
RESULTS
The major findings of this study were as follows: a significant positive correlation between family support and depression (r=.65, p=.001) was found. A significant positive correlation between family support and satisfaction (r=.68, p=.001) was perceived. Significant factors influencing Satisfaction were Family Support, which explained 38.2% of the variance of Satisfaction of Elderly Caregiver.
CONCLUSION
This study suggested that we should develop programs and policies to increase the satisfaction of caregivers for their family support. In conclusion, the study was done to give suggestions to improve caregiver satisfaction of the aged and to serve as a basis for policy strategies by examining the current conditions of the nursing facilities.