Predictors of rewarded caregiving for family caregivers of person with dementia: A longitudinal study

The purpose of this study was to explore variables associated with rewarded caregiving for family caregivers of persons living with dementia over a 2-year follow-up. This correlational longitudinal study was comprised of 200 family caregivers of persons living with dementia from neurological clinics of a medical center was conducted. Dichotomous scoring of the Rewards of Caregiving Scale of the Family Caregiving Inventory resulted in 61 (30.5%) caregivers being assigned to the well-rewarded group and 139 (69.5%) to the poorly reward group at baseline. Variables included characteristics of family caregivers and their care receivers and assessments with validated scales of caregivers' social support and dyadic relational variables of mutuality, preparedness, and balance. Analysis at baseline showed significant predictors of well-rewarded family caregivers were being an adult child of the care receiver, having a high perceived level mutuality and having a high perceived level of preparedness. These three variables remained as significant predictors at the 1- and 2-year follow-up. Caregivers with high levels of perceived mutuality and preparedness at 2-years were seven times more likely to perceive themselves as well-rewarded. Based on the findings, developing clinical interventions that focus on promoting mutuality and preparedness for family caregivers of persons with dementia could allow caregivers to perceive their role as rewarding. Attention should also be paid to the relationship between the caregiver and care receiver to enhance the family caregiver's feelings of mutuality and preparedness.