Formal Caregiver Burden in Nursing Homes: A Concept Analysis

Caregiver burden is a phrase often used interchangeably with the concepts of stress, strain, and burnout. Distinct differences may be relevant in formal caregiver burden; however, previous concept analyses have not addressed formal caregiver burden in nursing homes, which would be useful as a foundation for theory development and empirical testing. In the current study, based on Walker and Avant's concept analysis guidelines, articles were reviewed to identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of formal caregiver burden. Formal caregiver burden was defined as the demands of caring for dependent older adults with a level of competency and responsibility within the context of perceived stress. Antecedents were associated with the organization and environment, such as regulatory restraints, whereas consequences were associated with changes in physical and mental health status. The conceptualization of formal caregiver burden may lead to the development of psychometric instruments and interventions for the well-being of direct care staff in multiple care settings for older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(9), 19-24.].