Citation

Griffin JM, Friedemann-Sánchez G, Jensen AC, Taylor BC, Gravely A, Clothier B, Simon AB, Bangerter A, Pickett T, Thors C, Ceperich S, Poole J, van Ryn M. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2012; 27(1): 3-13.

Affiliation

Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Drs Griffin and Taylor and Mss Jensen, Gravely, Clothier, Simon, and Bangerter); Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis (Drs Griffin and Taylor); Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Dr Friedemann-Sánchez); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis (Dr Taylor); Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia (Drs Pickett and Ceperich); Departments of Psychiatry and PM&R, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (Dr Pickett); James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida (Dr Thors); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California (Dr Poole); and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis (Dr van Ryn).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0b013e3182274260

PMID

21873883

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:: To (1) identify informal caregivers to injured US service members following acute rehabilitation for polytraumatic injuries, principally traumatic brain injury (TBI), and (2) describe the prevalence and variation of care recipient and caregiver experiences. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional survey of caregivers. PARTICIPANTS:: Caregivers (N = 564) of service members with TBI who received inpatient rehabilitation care in a Veterans Affairs' Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center between 2001 and 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: Questions about caregiver and patient characteristics, type, and quantity of care currently being provided. RESULTS:: Caregiving responsibilities fall primarily on women (79%), typically a parent (62%) or spouse (32%). After a median 4 years since injury, 22% of patients still required assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. An additional 48% required assistance with only instrumental activities of daily living. Nearly 25% of caregivers reported more than 40 h/wk of care and another 20% reported 5 to 40 h/wk of care. Of caregivers providing assistance with activities of daily living, 49% provided care ≥80 h/wk. Nearly 60% of caregivers were solely responsible for the caregiving. Most caregivers also reported providing other help, including managing emotions and navigating health and legal systems. CONCLUSIONS:: Caregivers who provide assistance with either activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living may need additional resources to meet the long-term needs of their injured family member.

Language: en