Caregiver Strain Index: Measuring Carer Burden

The Caregiver Strain Index helps clinicians quickly measure stress levels in family caregivers. It uses thirteen questions to assess burden and identify those who need extra support.

Caregiver Strain Index PDF assessment form for measuring caregiver stress and burden.
CSI

Caregiver Strain Index

The Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) is a brief screening tool that measures the burden on those caring for older adults. Through 13 yes/no items, it assesses financial, physical, and emotional stress. This helps professionals identify caregivers needing support, preventing burnout while they look after loved ones.

Category

Mental health
Wellbeing

Disease

Assessment
Geriatrics
Mental Health
Wellbeing

Source

(Robinson, 1983)

Author Name

Robinson, B.C. (1983)

What is Caregiver Strain Index

The Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) is a handy screening tool used to spot stress levels in family members looking after older adults with chronic needs. This brief questionnaire features 13 items that measure the burden of care. It looks at employment issues plus financial, physical, social, and time constraints. Respondents simply answer 'Yes' or 'No' to statements about their daily experience. A total score of seven or higher points to high strain. The questions cover things like sleep disturbance, family adjustments, and changes in personal plans or privacy. It’s easy to administer and takes about five minutes to finish. Clinicians use it to assess caregiver wellbeing during discharge planning or home visits. By spotting burnout early, healthcare teams can intervene to prevent the caregiver's health from going downhill and ensure better long-term care.

CSI Scoring

The Caregiver Strain Index can be scored using one main approach: a straightforward summation technique. 1. Total Strain Score: This instrument lists thirteen common stressors faced by carers, covering financial, physical, social, and emotional domains. For each item, the respondent answers either Yes or No based on their experience. You assign 1 point for every Yes and 0 for a No. Simply add these up to get a total ranging from 0 to 13. A score of 7 or higher generally suggests a high level of strain. It is a handy way for clinicians to identify families who are doing it tough and might need more support services or respite care.

View scoring form

Advantages

Efficient collection

Streamlines research data gathering process.

Treatment planning

Develops personalised strategies based on assessment data.

Wide applicability

Serves diverse clinical needs effectively.

7
Minutes
13
Questions

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