Relationship Between Perceived Burden of Caring for a Family Member with Alzheimer's Disease and Decreased Participation in Meaningful Activities

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study examines the relationship between caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and activity participation. Method: A 34-item caregiver questionnaire including items measuring the perceived caregiving burden and the level of participation in meaningful activities was completed by 54 caregivers. Results: A significant negative correlation (r = −.56, p <.0001) was demonstrated between the two variables: caregiving burden and participation in meaningful activities. Discussion and Conclusion: An increased perception of burden is related to a decrease of participation in desired occupations among family caregivers of people with AD. The findings can help occupational therapy practitioners develop interventions aiming at improving caregivers' quality of life through enhancing opportunities for meaningful occupations.

KEYWORDS. :

• Caregiving burden
• caregiver questionnaire
• occupation
• participation