Abstract

As the number of homebound elders in America increases, stresses on family caregivers for the group may develop. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between level of burden in family caregivers and life satisfaction in homebound elders. Roy's Adaptation Model was used to guide this descriptive correlational investigation. The sample consisted of 53 family caregiver/homebound elder dyads and was drawn from among clients of a home health agency in rural northwest Alabama. Participants were interviewed in their homes during routine nursing visits. The Burden Scale was used to assess the level of burden in family caregivers living in residence with homebound elders. The Life Satisfaction Index-Z Scale was used to ascertain the level of life satisfaction in homebound elders. Pearson correlation procedures revealed an inverse relationship between level of burden in family caregivers and life satisfaction in homebound elders at the .05 level of significance. A dependent t test indicated that subjective burden was significantly greater than objective burden. Findings from this study implied that assessing the dynamics of the interpersonal relationship between family caregivers and homebound elders is an important consideration for nurses in primary care. Recommendations for future research included the conduction of studies specific to the development of nursing interventions to relieve caregiver burden and enhance life satisfaction in homebound elders.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1990

Publication Number

27919822

First Advisor

B. J. Landis

Second Advisor

Dr. Virginia Cora

Third Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Document Type

Thesis

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