Trends in Caregiving Rhonda J. V. Montgomery, Ph. D. University of Kansas
Caregiving is the cornerstone of our longterm care system
We know: ØFamilies provide 80% of long term care ØNursing home is last choice for care ØMost caregivers are women ØNOT ALL CAREGIVERS ARE ALIKE
Caregivers by Relationship to Elder Care Recipient
Diversity among Caregivers ØGender ØGeneration ØCulture ØCaregiving context
Diversity of Caregiving ØWhat they do ØWhen they do it ØHow long they do it
HOURS OF CARE
Spouse Emotional Banking Errands / Shop House Tasks
Spouse Emotional Banking Errands / Shop House Tasks Personal Care Emotional
Child Emotional Banking Errands / Shop House Tasks Personal Care
Adult-Child Emotional Financial Errands / Shop House Tasks Personal Care Emotional
Care Sharing: Wives B S H P 80% B S O H 20%
Care Sharing Husbands B S H P 10% 70% B S O H 20%
Care Sharing: Daughter B T O H P 70% B T O H P 30%
Care Sharing: Son B S O H P 55% B s O H P 45%
Caregiving Career: Child
Caregiving Career : Spouse
Comparing Careers CHILD SPOUSE
Basic Premises of Markers Model of Caregiving Careers 1. There is no single, generic caregiver role Ø Caregiving role emerges from prior role relationships Ø Role influenced by the unique values, beliefs and circumstances 2. Consequently there are: Ø Consistencies in the caregiving process. Ø Unique adaptations.
Premises of Marker Model 3. Caregiving is a dynamic process that unfolds over time 4. The length of career varies 5. Requires a change in identity
Caregiving Career Markers Ø 1. Ø 2. Ø 3. Ø 4. Ø 5. Ø 6. Ø 7. Performing caregiving tasks Self-definition as a caregiver Performing personal care tasks Seeking assistance and formal services Consideration of nursing home placement Placement in nursing home Termination of caregiving
Caregiving career: child #4 #5 #6 #3 #2
Caregiving Career : Spouse #6 #5 #3 #2 #4
Comparing Career Markers 70 60 CHILD H O U R S #4 50 #5 #6 #3 40 30 #2 20 10 0 0 1 2 3 4 YEARS #6 #4 SPOUSE #3 #2 #5 5 6 7
Diversity of Burdens Ø Difficult tasks/Physical Health Ø Time for other responsibilities Ø Task Overload Ø Privacy Ø Loss of Roles Ø Isolation Ø Financial Burden Ø Guilt