Caregiver burden from a social exchange perspective: Caring for older people after hospital discharge

Using data from a sample of Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers (n = 829 dyads), we examine caregiver burden through the lens of social exchange theory, conceptualizing burden as an evaluative component or outcome of the ongoing exchange relationship between the care receiver and the caregiver. We find burden is affected by the context in which the exchange occurs, which varies by the role relationship of dyad members (spouses, adult children, or extended family and nonfamily), as well as the level of need of the care receiver, the living arrangements, and the life course timing of care provision.