Relationship between activities of daily living and depression among older adults and the quality of life of family caregivers

Abstract

Abstract Objective The purposes of this study were to explore the associations of activities of daily living (ADL) and depression among older adults with family caregivers’ quality of life and provide evidence for improving family caregivers’ quality of life. Methods Older adults (n=395) and their family caregivers (n=395) were selected as participants. The ADL scale and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to assess ADL and depression among older adults, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess family caregivers’ quality of life. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results The older adults’ ADL and depression scores were 21±7 and 11±6, respectively. Approximately 69.9% of older adults had declining or severely impaired ADL, and 47.1% had mild or moderate-to-severe depression. Family caregivers’ mean quality of life score was 529±100. There was a negative correlation of older adults’ ADL and depression with caregivers’ quality of life. The correlation coefficient between ADL and the SF-36 mental component summary score was stronger than it was with the SF-36 physical component summary score. Conclusions The ADL and depression of older adults influenced family caregivers’ quality of life. Psychological health deserves closer attention, especially that of caregivers of disabled older adults.