The ties that bind: The relationship between caregiver burden and the neuropsychological functioning of TBI survivors

Abstract

Advances in medical and assistive technology have increased the likelihood of survival following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Consequently, families frequently must provide care to individuals with TBI. Because they are rarely prepared for the associated demanding medical needs and financial burden, family caregivers are at risk for physical and emotional problems, which can negatively influence their individual and family functioning. Whereas scholars have examined the influence of survivor functioning on caregiver burden, few have explicitly recognized that caregiver burden also influences survivor functioning. Results of a multivariate linear regression suggest that, in a sample of 51 pairs of TBI survivors and their caregivers living in Colombia, survivors receiving care from a family member who reported a higher level of burden had poorer objective neuropsychological functioning than those receiving care from a family member who reported a lower level of burden, after controlling for survivor education and history of occupational therapy. Therefore, a family-focused approach might maximize intervention effectiveness, especially for Latin American and Hispanic families, which tend to be characterized by a strong sense of familism. The emphasis on family can create problems in a healthcare system that views the individual as the primary unit.

Mental Health and Family Functioning in Patients and Their Family Members after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Researchers have documented a significant and lasting increase in unhealthy family functioning following TBI [ 15 , 16 ]. The stress on the family system seems to be less dependent on the severity of the TBI, but is related to the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes in the injured person [ 17 , 18 ]; and there is a reciprocal relationship among TBI-related factors in the injured person, caregiver distress, and family functioning [ 14 , 16 , 19 ].…”

Operation family caregiver: Problem‐solving training for military caregivers in a community setting

“…Caregivers play an important role in the recovery of military service members and veterans dealing with PTS, traumatic brain injuries, and physical injuries (Lehan, Lasprilla, Reyes, & Quijano, ). Supporting these military caregivers through promotion of their physical and mental health is essential.…”

Experiences of challenges and support among family members of people with acquired brain injury: a qualitative study in the UK

“…The version of record has been published as: Holloway, M, Orr, D. & Wilson, J.C. (2019) 'Experiences of challenges and support among family members of people with acquired brain injury: a qualitative study in the UK', Brain Injury (advance access). It can be found at https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2019.1566967 assisting other family members to adapt [30][31][32][33][34]. Family members often have to adjust to manage difficult behaviours and cope with changes in relationship status and life satisfaction [35][36][37][38].…”