Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI)
Modified Caregiver Strain Index: 13 items each 0 (no) / 1 (sometimes) / 2 (yes, regularly).
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Sleep
- 1
- Physical
- 1
- Confining
- 1
- Family
- 1
- Plans
- 1
- Other Demands
- 1
- Emotional
- 1
- Upsetting
- 1
- Changed
- 1
- Work
- 1
The other 3 values
- Financial
- 1
- Overwhelmed
- 1
- Completely Overwhelmed
- 1
Result: MCSI 13/26 — caregiver strain.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- 0–26
- Higher total reflects greater caregiver strain; no official cut-point.
What you enter
- Sleep
- Physical
- Confining
- Family
- Plans
- Other Demands
- Emotional
- Upsetting
- Changed
- Work
The other 3 fields
- Financial
- Overwhelmed
- Completely Overwhelmed
How this is calculated
Thornton M, Travis SS. Analysis of the reliability of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2003;58(2):S127-S132. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.