Changes in caregiving appraisal among family caregivers of persons with dementia: A longitudinal study over 12 months

Aim: The main purpose of this study was to identify changes in both caregiver burden and positive caregiving appraisal over time, as well as factors affecting these variables. Methods: This analysis included 41 in-home family caregivers who had completed questionnaires at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. We assessed various caregiver and care recipient characteristics, caregivers’ positive appraisal of caregiving, caregiver burden, desire to continue caregiving, severity of care recipients’ cognitive impairment, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Results: We observed no significant differences in caregiver burden, positive caregiving appraisal, or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia across the three measurement times. However, we did find differences in the desire to continue caregiving and in the personal strain and role strain dimensions of caregiver burden. Conclusion: Overall, our study suggests that caregiving service providers should consider support that focuses on improving the subjective caregiving appraisals of caregivers.