Measuring the positive and negative aspects of the caring role in community versus aged care setting

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the positive and negative aspects of family caregiving in two settings: community and aged care facility. Methods: Postal questionnaires included the short Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and a scale developed for this study: Positive Aspects of Caring Scale (PACS). Results: Analysis of responses of 90 carers showed high burden levels, with no difference between care settings. Carers of an older person with a cognitive condition showed higher burden. There was no association between carer burden and positive attitudes. Carers in community settings recorded lower levels of positive attitudes. Conclusion: The two measures (ZBI and PACS) may be a useful clinical tool to provide..