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Investigating the Effects of Communication Problems on Caregiver Burden

Gerontology Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence.

Address correspondence to Marie Y. Savundranayagam, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6G 1H1. E-mail: msavund{at}uwo.ca

Objectives. The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between communication problems associated with dementia and caregiver burden, within the context of problem behaviors and cognitive and functional abilities of the care recipient.

Methods. A scale on communication problems associated with dementia was developed and administered to 89 family caregivers. Participants also completed measures of care-recipient cognitive and functional status, problem behavior, and caregiver burden (demand, stress, and objective burden).

Results. Analyses using structural equation modeling showed that care-recipient cognitive and functional status indirectly predicted problem behaviors via communication problems. The status indicators also directly predicted demand burden. In addition, problem behaviors mediated the relationship between communication problems and all forms of burden.

Discussion. The study findings not only lend further support to the existing literature that has documented problem behaviors as strong predictors of burden but also emphasize the importance of communication problems in the caregiving process.