Purpose: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with the development of higher burden in informal caregivers of patients with dementia, using dyadic data.
Design and methods: Seventy-two dyads of patients with dementia and their informal caregivers were assessed, the former in terms of behavioral-psychological symptoms and autonomy, the latter in terms of burden and individual needs.
Findings: Caregivers at risk for developing higher burden are those who are female, whose care recipient present psychiatric symptoms and lower autonomy, and those who recognize the need for more information/support.
Practice implications: Interventions should offer caregivers the tools to provide care, maintaining their psychological well-being. Interventions should target not only common aspects of caregiver burden but also the specificities of caring for a person with dementia.
Keywords: autonomy; behavioral symptoms; burden; dementia; informal caregivers.
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