Relationship status and depressive symptoms among older co-resident caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: Informal caregiving has been found to be burdensome and is associated with depression among older caregivers. These outcomes are often accentuated when caregivers and care recipients co-reside. The current study aims to examine whether the status of the relationship between caregiver and care recipient lessens the negative outcomes commonly associated with informal caregiving.

METHODS: The study focused on the subsample of co-resident caregivers (N = 3280) in the fourth wave of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe, of persons aged 50 or above, collected in 2011. A logged count of depressive symptoms, measured on the EURO-D scale, was hierarchically regressed on relationship status, measured as relationship type and closeness (confidant) controlling for sociodemographic background, health and country.

RESULTS: Co-resident caregivers of spouse and children experienced more depressive symptoms than other relationship co-resident caregiving dyads. However, those who cared for a confidant experienced fewer depressive symptoms, independent of the relationship type.

CONCLUSIONS: The provision of informal care is stressful and results in a heightened experience of depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, the type and closeness of the relationship between the caregiver and the care recipient can lessen caregiver depression. When informal caregivers care for a confidant, the emotional bond may reduce the depressive symptoms.