Informal caregiving to older adults hospitalized for depression

This study addresses the following questions: (1) What are the caregiving needs stemming from functional dependency of older adults hospitalized for depression and discharged home?; (2) Who are the informal caregivers, and what assistance do they provide?; and (3) How adequate is this informal care?. On a sample of 45 depressed older adults, in-hospital information was collected from medical records and discharge planners; and one month post-discharge, a telephone interview was completed. These data indicate that older adults hospitalized for depression are discharged home with high levels of functional dependency. Eighty-nine per cent of these patients have the assistance of an informal caregiver. Despite high levels of involvement, concerns remain about the adequacy of the care informal caregivers are able to provide in the face of such need. Yet mental health research, policy and practice have largely ignored the role of the family with depressed elders. Increased attention should be paid to the topic of informal caregiving to older adults with depression.