Promoting healthy aging: A community health assessment to reduce caregiver burden

More than 43.5 million Americans provide informal care to older adults. Research to date indicates that caregiver burden affects the quality of life (QoL) of informal caregivers (IC). IC tend to have lower QoL compared to non-caregivers and are more likely to suffer from poor physical and mental health.In order to understand factors that impact the QoL of IC residing within The Villages community data from the USF Health and The Villages study conducted in 2012 was analyzed. A population health survey was administered to all residents of The Villages community (N=88,527), yielding a 37.4% response rate (N=33,119). A split ballot survey design was used to collect information on various health topics: measures of IC status, depression (PHQ-2) and QoL (WHO-BREFQL). Demographic data of the overall sample are reported and bivariate chi-square analysis was used to examine the relationship between IC status and self-reported depression and QoL. Focus groups were designed to inquire about the caregiving experience -- results will be discussed in light of analysis. In contrast to existing, few IC in The Villages reported depressive symptoms (9.8%). Additionally, chi-square analysis did not indicate a significant relationship between IC status and depression (p=.008) or QoL (p<.001) which may indicate protective benefits of Village community residence. The structure of The Villages community breeds high social support and provides an active lifestyle which may decrease caregiver burden. Suggestions for policy and practice include adapting an active and social environment to improve the QoL of informal caregivers.