Although the public health community has become increasing aware of the multitude of challenges faced by informal (i.e., family/friends) caregivers, relatively little attention has been given to special "at-risk" populations of caregivers who themselves may be in need of care. This study identifies a group of at-risk informal caregivers and examines the challenges encountered by this vulnerable group. Telephone interviews were conducted with a nationally representative random sample of 4,874 households. After initial screening, 1,002 individuals met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Individuals were classified as non-vulnerable (n=764) or vulnerable (n=238) caregivers if they (1) were 65+ years old or a primary caregiver, and (2) reported having fair/poor health or a serious health condition. Crude (unadjusted) results revealed that, compared to non-vulnerable caregivers, vulnerable caregivers were more likely to need help providing care, provide 20+ hours of care/week, care for someone in poor health, have difficulty providing care, and give assistance with more ADLs and IADLs. After adjusting for confounders, vulnerable caregivers were more likely than non-vulnerable caregivers to provide heavy duty care in terms of more frequent and longer duration of care in conjunction with a greater number of ADLs and IADLs and to report difficulty with providing care. Informal caregivers who themselves are at-risk for needing care represent a vulnerable population facing predicaments with no simple solutions. Policies that limit programs for the elderly and the chronically ill may lead to creating a hazardous environment for both the caregiver and the care recipient.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. List the characteristics of vulnerable caregivers; 2. Recognize the perceived needs and challenges of vulnerable caregivers; 3. Discuss the implications of heavy caregiving workload on the caregivers themselves
Keywords: Caregivers, Vulnerable Populations
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.