Subjective and Objective Burden and Psychological Distress in Care Partners of Older Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury

Purpose/Objective: In care partners of older persons (65 years and older) having sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI), the objectives were (a) to describe subjective burden (emotional, social, financial, and physical burden), objective burden (new roles and responsibilities), and psychological distress at 4 months postinjury, and (b) to explore the predictors of subjective burden and psychological distress. Research Method/Design: This is an observational study of care partners of older adults with TBI (n = 46; M-age = 65.2 years, SD = 11.2, 87% female). Participants completed the Zarit Burden Interview, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Brain Injury Complaint Questionnaire (measuring difficulties of the injured older adult perceived by the care partner), and the modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Results: A majority of care partners (88%) reported at least one form of objective burden (e.g., increased/decreased time spent in certain activities post-TBI), 29% perceived at least mild subjective burden, and 27% reported either significant anxiety or depressive symptoms. Linear regressions indicated that a higher number of difficulties reported regarding the injured person and poorer perceived social support predicted higher subjective burden and psychological distress. A younger age of the care partner also predicted a higher subjective burden. Conclusions/Implications: This study provides a better understanding of the potential impacts of TBI in older age for care partners. Future research should examine how to support adequately care partners in their psychological adaptation after TBI in an elderly person.

Automated summary

This study aimed to describe the subjective burden, objective burden, and psychological distress of care partners of older persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at 4 months postinjury, as well as explore the predictors of subjective burden and psychological distress. The study found that a majority of care partners reported objective burden, and a significant percentage experienced subjective burden and symptoms of anxiety or depression. Difficulties reported regarding the injured person and perceived social support were found to predict higher subjective burden and psychological distress. The study provides insights into the potential impacts of TBI on care partners of older adults and highlights the need for support in their psychological adaptation.