Caring for a Spouse with ADL Dependency: Perceived Social Support and Stress Level among Elderly Spousal Caregivers
Tri Harningsih, Rahmi Setiyani, Koernia Nanda Pratama

Faculty of Health and Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Abstract

Background: Taking care for an individual with Activity of Daily Living (ADL) dependence is often very demanding and stressful. With an increasing in life expectancy, an elderly spouse often becomes a caregiver for an aging or ill loved one. However, changing in family structure, shrinking social circle and aging process itself might influence caregiver^s social support and their stress level.
Objective: This study aimed to examine perceived stress and social support among spousal caregivers of elderly with ADL dependence and correlation between these two variables.
Method: This is a descriptive quantitative study with cross sectional design. A convenience samples of 30 caregivers aged 60 years or over who taking care for spouse with ADL dependence. Perceived social support and caregiving-related stress were measured using social support questionnaire and the Kingstone Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Somer^s D test.
Result: Result showed that a half of respondents was lack of social support and the remaining only had moderate level of support (46.7%). Very few of them had good social support (3.3%). Most respondents experienced moderate stress level (56.7%), even severe (16.7%). Statisctical analysis showed no relationship between social support and stress level (p>0.05)
Conclusion: Elderly spousal caregiver was lack of social support and experienced moderate stress level.

Keywords: Activity of Daily Living, Elderly, Spousal Caregiver, Social Suport, Stress

Topic: Mental Health, Community, Family Health and Gerontological Nursing