The Influence of Engaging in Medical and Nursing Tasks on Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Individuals with Cognitive Impairment

Background: Almost half of caregivers perform medical/nursing tasks (MNT) such as managing multiple medication and providing wound care. However, little is known about the involvement of providing MNT to caregiver burden, particularly, among caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment (ICI).

Objective: (1) To examine differences in caregivers’ background characteristics and caregiving context between the group performing MNT versus the group not performing the tasks, and (2) to investigate the effect of caregivers’ appraisal of performing MNT on caregiver burden.

Methods: Secondary data analyses were conducted using data from the 2015 National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Independent t-tests, bivariate correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression were used. Missing data were examined and single-stage weighting was applied.

Results: More caregivers who performed MNT lived with care recipients and provided longer hours of care than caregivers who did not perform MNT. Caregivers’ feeling difficulty in MNT was the most influential factor followed by caregivers’ physical health, income, and level of the care coordination.

Discussion: This is the first study that comprehensively examined the relationship of performing MNT to caregiver burden. Healthcare providers should be cognizant of caregiver burden related to MNT and researchers should develop interventions and community services to decrease caregivers’ difficulty in performing their roles.