Social support is important for family caregivers. This study examined the effect of family caregivers’ perceived adequacy of social support on caregiver burden. Data were obtained from a random sample of 340 family caregivers of adults aged 65 and older in Calgary, Canada, through telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire. Three questions measured caregivers’ perceived adequacy of social support in emotional, caregiving-related activities and in financial and material assistance domains. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview. Using hierarchical multiple regression, a higher level of perceived adequacy of social support was significantly related to a lower level of caregiving burden. The findings illustrate the importance of practitioners providing tangible and affordable services to family caregivers.
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