Family Caregiver Burden in Home-Based Long-Term Care: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 79 - 96, 30.12.2025

Heather Dye

https://doi.org/10.51819/jaltc.2025.1781618

https://izlik.org/JA62BJ37MZ

Abstract

As populations age, family caregivers provide critical support for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions in home-based long-term care. While indispensable, this role often imposes significant physical, psychological, and social demands that affect caregiver well-being and the sustainability of care systems. This study examined predictors of caregiver burden within a comprehensive biopsychosocial framework. A total of 238 family caregivers completed standardized measures of caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview-12), functional dependence (Katz Activities of Daily Living), perceived social support and negative impact (COPE Index), and caregiver health effects, alongside demographic and contextual information such as employment, relationship status, and access to professional resources. Analyses revealed that greater patient dependence, longer weekly caregiving hours, and perceived negative health impacts were associated with higher burden. In contrast, higher levels of perceived social support and stronger access to professional resources were associated with lower burden, underscoring the protective role of external supports. These findings reinforce the multifaceted nature of caregiver burden and highlight the value of applying an integrative perspective that considers biological, psychological, and social determinants. By identifying modifiable risk and protective factors, the study contributes actionable insights for improving caregiver support and sustaining home-based care. Interventions that expand caregiver access to resources, provide education and training, and strengthen community and policy supports may alleviate burden, enhance caregiver well-being, and bolster the capacity of long-term care systems to meet the needs of aging populations.

Keywords

Biopsychosocial Model , Caregiver Burden , Caregiver Well-Being , Community Resources , Family Caregivers , Informal Caregiving , Long-Term Care , Social Support

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the East Tennessee State University Institutional Review Board (IRB #12345). All participants provided written informed consent prior to participation. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and institutional ethical guidelines.

Supporting Institution

This research was conducted with the support of the Department of Social Work, East Tennessee State University, which provided access to resources and administrative support necessary for study implementation.

Thanks

The author thanks the family caregivers who participated in this study.

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