"Caregiver burden in geriatric care-recipients with cognitive vs. physical impairment: Implications for screening and...

Informal caregivers play a key role in geriatric care, but they are exposed to high levels of stress, especially when caring for elderly people with cognitive impairment. In this cross-sectional study of 81 patient-caregiver pairs from a geriatric outpatient clinic, we compared stress levels in caregivers of patients with cognitive impairments with those of patients with physical disabilities. The burden of care was measured using the Caregiver Burden Inventory, while patient characteristics included cognitive status, functional capacity, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Caregivers of patients with cognitive impairment reported significantly higher burden, particularly among spousal and cohabiting caregivers. The severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, poorer cognitive performance, and longer hours of daily care independently predicted greater burden. These findings highlight the need for routine screening of caregiving burden as part of geriatric assessments and prioritisation of dyads with cognitive impairment. The integration of digital monitoring and structured technology-based interventions may strengthen support for carers and improve the sustainability of geriatric care.