Quality of Life and Related Outcomes Among Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults With Visual Impairment

Abstract

Caregivers of older adults with visual impairments are often family members who spend many hours caring for loved ones at the expense of their personal needs. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of life of unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments and determine the barriers and facilitators for improving their quality of life. To examine this population, 130 unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments were surveyed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Living Arrangement and Indicators of Social Interaction Survey, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Caregiver Quality of Life (EQ-5D), and the Perceived Change Index (PCI). Results revealed that the unpaid caregivers face many challenges, but inexperience/difficulty with tasks and balancing their personal life were the biggest obstacles. Interventions could help improve quality of life and well-being as well as provide support services and access to community resources to reduce the family caregiver burden.