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Congruence between disabled elders and their primary caregivers
Amy Horowitz1, Caryn R Goodman, Joann P Reinhardt
1Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute, Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, USA. ahorowitz@lighthouse.org
The Gerontologist
|August 28, 2004
Summary
Caregiver-elder congruence is key for effective care. Mismatched perceptions of disability and relationship quality significantly impact this alignment in visually impaired older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Ophthalmology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Caregiving for disabled elders involves complex interactions.
- Congruence in perception between elders and caregivers is crucial for optimal care outcomes.
- Visually impaired elders present unique challenges in caregiving dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of agreement (congruence) between disabled elders and their caregivers.
- To identify factors influencing this congruence across various caregiving aspects.
- To explore correlates of congruence related to functional disability, adaptation, overprotectiveness, and understanding.
Main Methods:
- 117 visually impaired elders and their caregivers participated.
- Congruence was analyzed using correlational analyses, kappa statistics, and paired t tests.
- Hierarchical multiple regression identified correlates of congruence on key issues.
Main Results:
- Caregivers perceived elders as more disabled and themselves as more overprotective than elders did.
- Congruence was influenced by the caregiver's assessment of the elder's status.
- Relationship quality between elder and caregiver significantly impacted congruence.
Conclusions:
- Congruence varies significantly across different aspects of the caregiving experience.
- Addressing congruence on a target-issue basis is more effective than a global approach.
- Understanding caregiver perceptions and relationship dynamics is vital for improving elder-caregiver congruence.