Assessing caregiver burden

Abstract

Caregiver burden is an unfortunate reality which can impact negatively on the health of the caregiver and the appropriate care the patient with dementia needs.

The Zarit Burden interview provides an objective measure of caregiver’s burden which alerts the healthcare provider and the caregiver for the need to intervene to prevent deleterious consequences.

Our practice regularly assesses caregiver’s burden and looks in ways to lessen care giver burden using different tools and approaches.

Caregiver burden can improve by education, emotional support, change in environment and planning.