The CSI can be used to quickly identify families with potential caregiving concerns. It is a 13-question tool that measures strain related to care provision. There is at least one item for each of the following major domains: Employment, Financial, Physical, Social and Time. Positive responses to 7 or more items on the index indicate a greater level of strain. This instrument can be used to assess individuals of any age who have assumed the role of carer for an older adult. It was developed with a sample of 132 carers providing assistance to recently hospitalized older adults.
The CSI is a brief, easily administered instrument and identifies families who may benefit from more in-depth assessment and follow-up.
A positive screen (7 or more items positive) on the CSI indicates a need for more in- depth assessment to facilitate appropriate intervention.
The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was developed for use in Hospitals by Zigmond and Snaith. The original intention was to devise a tool to measure levels of anxiety and depression in patients. Some researchers have adapted the HADS tool to measure anxiety and depression in community settings and for carers. Caregiver Strain Index is a variation on this tool which can be used to assess individuals of any age who have assumed the role of carer.