Chapter 7
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Effect of day care on caregiver burden
ABSTRACT | Day care at green care farms (GCFs) is a new type of respite intervention for family caregivers taking care of a demented relative. This cohort study examined rates of change in quality of life, emotional distress, and feelings of competence of family caregivers of dementia patients receiving day care at GCFs or at regular day care facilities (RDCFs). Forty‐six caregivers of dementia patients receiving day care at GCFs and 41 caregivers of dementia patients receiving day care at RDCFs were included, of whom 50 (25 from both settings) completed the study. Data were gathered at study entry, at 6 and at 12 months follow‐up by interviewing the caregivers. Family caregivers of dementia patients receiving day care at GCFs were mostly spouses whereas those of dementia patients receiving day care at RDCFs were mostly children (in law). Generally, no significant change over time was observed in quality of life, emotional distress and feelings of competence of family caregivers of dementia patients from both day care settings. The results imply that both day care types prevent a significant increase in caregiver burden over time. Day care at GCFs is an important addition to longer existing respite services, at present particularly for spousal caregivers.
Submitted for publication.