This study explores how improved survival among adult persons living with HIV (PLH) has affected the AIDS caregiving stress process, specifically among caregivers who are midlife and older women. Midlife and older women are typically called upon to provide informal care to kin who are in poor health, but caregiving is not cost-free, and care-related stress may threaten the caregiver's own well being. AIDS caregiving is uniquely stressful because of the stigma associated with HIV and because AIDS typically strikes young persons in the prime of their life. Even though the death rate for HIV has dropped dramatically in recent years, the HIV incidence rate has continued to grow, and there are now more PLH than ever before. Not all PLH are disabled or in need of support, but HIV-related morbidity and mortality data clearly indicate that the potential need for HIV-related care is at an all-time high, especially among ethnic minorities. Qualitative data from focus groups conducted with 10 female caregivers and 10 PLH are analyzed to identify and categorize new and emerging issues, such as medication adherence, treatment failure, and unexpected survival. These data contemporize the AIDS caregiving experience for caregivers who are mothers, wives, female friends, and other similar relationships. We address caregiving issues that are uniquely relevant to care-recipients. Preliminary data from structured interviews will also be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify at least 3 emerging issues that affect the health and lives of midlife and older women who provide care to a person with HIV. 2. Describe the special support needs of women who care for a family member with HIV. 3. Discuss the multiple roles that midlife and older women must balance, in addition to the AIDS caregiver role, and how multiple role occupancy can be both beneficial and detrimental to health
Keywords: Caregivers, Emerging Health Issues
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.