Prevalence and Predictors of Caregiver Distress in Six European Communities: Data From the IBenC Study, Using interRAI-Home Care Assessments

Background In a changing world where populations are ageing and older people need assistance to live at home, caring for an older relative can be challenging and have various consequences for caregivers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, caregiver distress in six European countries-Iceland, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands-was examined and compared. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of distress among caregivers of older people receiving home care in these six countries and identify if factors related to the older person's condition, such as health or function, predict it. The analysis drew on data collected from 2014 to 2016 for the IBenC study (Identifying Best Practices for care-dependent elderly by Benchmarking Costs and Outcomes of Community Care), using the interRAI-Home Care (HC) instrument. A total of 2884 home care clients > 65 years from the six countries participated in the study. Descriptive statistics indicated the characteristics of the sample, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models established predictive independent variables for caregiver distress. Results The percentage of caregiver distress was highest among Icelandic caregivers (34%). In the other countries, it varied from 9% to 22% and was lowest in Finland. Caregivers of clients with signs of depression, clients who have bladder incontinence or who had stayed in hospital in the last 90 days were more likely to experience caregiver distress. Caregiver distress was more prevalent if a client was at risk of severe health decline and had increased care needs. Conclusion Using data from interRAI-HC assessments makes it possible to relate indications of caregiver distress to the characteristics of the older person cared for. Hence, improving their condition might have favourable effects on caregivers. Alertness to caregiver distress is crucial.