Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects

Authors : Elvan Felekoğlu, Hazal Yakut Ozdemir, Sevgi Özalevli, Görsev Yener

Pages : 470-476

Doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388

View : 27 | Download : 58

Publication Date : 2025-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The global number of people with dementia is rising, requiring caregivers from early disease stages. However, the effect of having a secondary caregiver on the primary caregiver’s physical and psychological well-being is unclear. This study aimed to compare primary caregivers with and without a secondary caregiver in terms of physical and psychological parameters. Material and method: This cross-sectional study included 61 primary family caregivers of people with dementia living in Izmir. Based on their caregiving arrangements, participants were categorized into two groups: those caregiving alone (n=26; 42.6%) and those caregiving with a secondary caregiver (n=35; 57.4%). Physical well-being was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (musculoskeletal disorders), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (physical activity), and Fatigue Severity Scale (fatigue). Psychological well-being was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview scales. Results: No significant differences were found in psychological measures between groups. However, physical well-being differences were observed. Caregivers without a secondary caregiver spent a significantly higher percentage of their day sitting due to caregiving tasks (p=0.020). They also reported more musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine (p=0.05), upper limbs (p=0.046), and lower limbs (p=0.019) over the past week. Conclusion: The presence of a secondary caregiver is linked to better physical well-being but does not significantly impact psychological wellbeing among caregivers of people with dementia. These results underscore the need to provide physical support to caregivers to maintain their well-being. These findings highlight the need for multi-faceted caregiver support programs, particularly in contexts where informal caregiving is culturally embedded. Keywords: Caregiver, dementia, physical well-being, psychological well-being, secondary caregiver.
Keywords : Bakım veren, demans, fiziksel sağlık, psikolojik iyilik hali, ikincil bakım veren

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