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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Barbara Chandler, MPA, Long Island Geriatric Education Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, HSC Level 2, Room 155, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8228, 631-444-8288, bchandle@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

This study used focus groups to explore similarities/differences in formal service utilization and unmet need among Caucasian, African American and Hispanic adult child caregivers residing in New York City and Long Island New York. A total of five focus groups were held with 35 mostly female (86%), non-white (80%) caregivers. For all caregivers, but particularly for non-white caregivers, there was a surprising lack of awareness of formal services and a clear interest in learning more about them. Those caregivers who possessed some knowledge of formal services often expressed confusion/frustration concerning how to obtain services. Issues specific to Hispanic and African American caregivers included dissatisfaction with providers (physicians not adequately trained to care for the elderly or who "talked down" to the care-recipient) and Hispanic caregivers expressed a particular frustration with professionals and programs they felt were insensitive to their cultural background. As supported by the literature, the church was found to play a major role in providing information and support.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Discuss the role of religion in providing support to adult children providing care for aging parents.
• List the most frequently identified support needs of adult children caring for aging parents.
• Identify support issues specific to African American and Hispanic adult children caregivers.
• Apply knowledge gained in this session to the provision of support to Hispanic and African American adult children caregivers.

Keywords: Minority Research,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered