Studies have documented the vital role of informal caregivers (i.e., family/friends) in caring for the elderly, however few have examined the challenges faced by caregivers of different racial origins. This study investigated differences in the experiences of informal caregivers among three predominant racial groups in New York. A random sample of 2,241 households was contacted and 413 individuals met the study eligibility criteria of being an unpaid caregiver during the twelve months preceding this study. Complete data were available for 397 (96%) caregivers (164 White, 129 Black, 87 Hispanic, and 17 other). Individuals of "other" racial backgrounds were excluded from the analyses. Crude (unadjusted) results revealed that compared to White caregivers, Black caregivers were more likely to be employed, give assistance with a greater number of ADLs, and spend 20+ hours/week providing care. Compared to White caregivers, Hispanic caregivers were more likely to provide assistance with feeding, enlist the help of formal caregivers, and report difficulty balancing work and caregiving. Moreover, Hispanic and Black caregivers were more likely than White caregivers to report needing assistance providing care and to engage in more frequent religious activities. After adjusting for potential confounders, caregivers who were Black and who engaged in more frequent religious activities were less likely to report difficulty providing care than White caregivers and those involved in less frequent religious activities. Caregiving challenges were not uniform across racial groups. Minority caregivers appeared to have a heavier workload and their participation in religious activities appeared to be a key coping strategy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize that informal caregivering experiences are not uniform across all racial groups. 2. Discuss differences in the caregiving workload among three major racial groups in New York. 3. Discuss the importance of religious activities as a form of coping with caregiving challenges
Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.