Objective: The present study aimed to examine the role that caregiver burden
plays in the familial functioning, social support, and quality of family life (QOFL) of
caregivers of elderly family members with dementia. Methods: A survey was conducted with 200 primary caregivers of elderly
dementia patients who resided in prefecture “S”. The questionnaire consisted of items that
required demographic information, the Japanese versions of the Zarit Burden Inventory
(ZBI) and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES II), and scales
that measure quality of family life and social support. On the basis of the median ZBI
score (i.e., 30.8), participants were divided into two groups: group A (i.e., ZBI score
< 30) and group B (i.e., ZBI score > 30). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was
conducted with QOFL as the dependent variable. Version 24 of the Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences for Windows was used to conduct all the statistical analyses; the
statistical significance level was specified as 0.05. Results: Group A and B obtained average ZBI scores of 18.5 and 43.8,
respectively. The study targeted 81 patients from group A (average age = 61.0 years) and
77 patients from group B (average age = 61.7 years). Time that was spent on caregiving
tasks was significantly higher for group B, when compared to group A. In addition,
significant differences in cohesion and adaptability, which are two dimensions that are
measured by the FACES II, and QOFL emerged between the two groups. The results of the
multiple regression analysis showed that cohesion (β = 0.38), practical support (β =
0.32), adaptability (β = 0.30), and living arrangement (β = −0.12) significantly predicted
QOFL. Conclusion: Family cohesion and adaptability are indicators of healthy
familial functioning. In order to improve the QOFL of caregivers of elderly dementia
patients, it is necessary to strengthen emotional ties, maintain emotional attachment, and
flexibly respond to the burden of nursing care and changes in power structures and role
relationships.
