Do home modifications reduce caregiver burden? A cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with caregiver burden and resilience in Hong Kong

Abstract Background and Objectives The impact of modifiable housing factors on the mental health of caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities is often underestimated. This study examines the role of housing modifications in influencing caregiver burden and resilience in Hong Kong. Research Design and Methods Data from a population-based survey of 2,960 caregivers of older adults (aged 60 and over) and younger individuals with disabilities (under 60) were analysed. Modifications to the care recipients’ homes- classified as any, wheelchair-accessible, stair/chairlift, or other modifications- and the proportion of homes modified within each building or estate were assessed. Quantile regression models of the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used to estimate the association between home modifications and caregiver burden and resilience. Results Caregivers living with their care recipients in buildings or estates where all homes had been modified reported approximately 0.3 standard deviations lower burden (at the 90th quantile) and 0.23 standard deviations higher resilience (at the 80th quantile) than those in non-modified buildings or estates. Similar associations were observed between modifications of individual care recipients’ homes and caregiver burden, although not for resilience. Discussion and Implications There is some evidence that home modifications are associated with reduced caregiver burden and increased caregiver resilience, particularly when measured at the building or estate level. Enhancing the housing quality of older adults and people with disabilities may improve not only their well-being, but also that of their caregivers.