ABSTRACT
It is widely recognized that caring for a family member with dementia can be both challenging and stressful. While caring can be rewarding, the strains and responsibilities of the role can have an impact on the carer's own psychological and physical health. There are consistent reports that caring for a family member with dementia is associated with high levels of strain, distress and depression (Donaldson et al, 1997). Developing a thorough understanding of the factors that determine carer stress is a major priority, as high levels of stress have been linked to increased use of primary care and respite services and earlier admittance to institutional care for the person with dementia (Brown et al, 1990).
