Relationship status and depressive symptoms among older co-resident caregivers

Informal caregiving has been found to be burdensome and is associated with depression among older caregivers. These outcomes are often accentuated when caregivers and care recipients co-reside. The current study aims to examine whether the status of the relationship between caregiver and care recipient lessens the negative outcomes commonly associated with informal caregiving.

The study focused on the subsample of co-resident caregivers (N = 3280) in the fourth wave of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe, of persons aged 50 or above, collected in 2011. A logged count of depressive symptoms, measured on the EURO-D scale, was hierarchically regressed on relationship status, measured as relationship type and closeness (confidant) controlling for sociodemographic background, health and country.

Co-resident caregivers of spouse and children experienced more depressive symptoms than other relationship co-resident caregiving dyads. However, those who cared for a confidant experienced fewer depressive symptoms, independent of the relationship type.

The provision of informal care is stressful and results in a heightened experience of depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, the type and closeness of the relationship between the caregiver and the care recipient can lessen caregiver depression. When informal caregivers care for a confidant, the emotional bond may reduce the depressive symptoms.