Differences between and within genders in caregiving strain: a comparison between caregivers of demented and non‐caregivers of non‐demented elderly people

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Abstract
Differences between and within genders in caregiving strain: a comparison between caregivers of demented and non‐caregivers of non‐demented elderly people Fifty‐two caregivers for demented and 66 non‐caregivers for non‐demented elderly were investigated both within a gender and between genders. All participants were relatives and a burden questionnaire was used. The results showed that there was not always a difference between the caregivers for demented and the non‐caregivers for non‐demented elderly which may indicate that being a relative, even to a non‐demented elderly, has obviously its own problems and importance. However, results showed more significant differences between female caregivers and female non‐caregivers than between male caregivers and male non‐caregivers, with females caring for a demented elderly suffering most strain. Their strain was exhibited by health problems, conflicts in the family, strained relations with family and others, a less positive outlook and limits in social support because of the caregiving situation. When investigating the group of male caregivers and male non‐caregivers, it was found that males caring for a demented elderly person experienced a lack of positive outlook and a need for social support. The elderly person's residence in the group of caregivers for demented elderly people and in the group of non‐caregivers for non‐demented elderly people did not, however, appear to indicate any significant differences.