The most difficult ‘job’ there is” – characteristics and challenges of unpaid caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in Texas

Stokes-Walters, Ronald, Jones, Calandra, Ibrahimovic, Mirela, Alvarado-Torres, Roxanne, Taylor, Lynda, Buendia, Justin, Wiseman, Rachel and Bhakta, Nimisha (2023) The most difficult ‘job’ there is” – characteristics and challenges of unpaid caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in Texas. Journal of Long-Term Care, 2023. 311 - 325. ISSN 2516-9122

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Abstract

Objective: To understand the conditions and impact on caregivers providing unpaid care to persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias in Texas. Methods: A cross-sectional survey consisting of 29 questions (n = 358) was distributed to unpaid caregivers (UCs) using snowball sampling. Results: Respondents were predominantly female (81.7%), age 55+ (83.6%), retired (55.2%), white (83.9%), and were the primary care provider to the care recipient (CR). Caregivers averaged 68 hours/week of care. Numerous challenges were reported, including increased emotional stress (62.3%), negative impact on work (61.7%), declining physical health (62.0%), and increased financial stress (34.1%). Respondents were asked to provide open-ended feedback regarding their caregiver experiences. Topics include emotional and physical health, caregiving’s impact on their professional and personal lives, and the availability of resources. Discussion: Caregiving can be extremely burdensome to a caregiver’s health, work, and finances. Future studies focusing on the challenges and needs among UCs in Texas are warranted.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://journal.ilpnetwork.org/
Additional Information:	© 2023 The Author(s)
Divisions:	LSE
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2023 14:00
Last Modified:	22 Jul 2024 04:34
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/120901

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