Helping those who help others: the Modified Caregiver Strain Index

Am J Nurs. 2008 Sep;108(9):62-9; quiz 69-70. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000334528.90459.9a.

Abstract

The Modified Caregiver Strain Index can be given to family members caring for disabled older adults. It helps to determine their level of strain-a combination of stress and burden that has consequences on caregivers' overall health. The index assesses 13 aspects of physical health, family finances, social interactions, time demands, and employment. By pinpointing the sources and degree of strain, the index can guide in the selection of interventions that might be used to alleviate caregivers' strain and improve the lives of caregivers and care recipients. To watch a free video demonstrating the use of the index, go to http://links.lww.com/A291.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Benchmarking
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Communication
  • Cost of Illness
  • Disabled Persons / psychology
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Helping Behavior
  • Home Nursing / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment / organization & administration
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis*
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires