Using Structural Equation Modeling to Understand the Role of Informal and Formal Supports on the Well-being of Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

This study examined the direct and indirect relationships based on stress process conceptual model between informal caregiver characteristics, source of caregiver stress and informal and formal support on the well-being of the caregivers of persons with dementia. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test specific hypotheses based on 327 caregivers of study subjects with dementia who were living in the community and that were derived from the first wave of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. Our findings show that the negative impact of the increase in care recipient's disability on psychological well-being of the caregiver was moderated mostly by the use of informal support systems, and marginally by formal support systems. The use of informal support by caregivers resulted in a decreased use of formal supports. The relationship between caregiver characteristics and psychological health was mediated by the formal support but not by informal support systems.