Caregiving as Ministry: Perceptions of African Americans Providing Care for Elders

Abstract

This article provides qualitative findings from a community-based, mixed-method study of African American caregivers of elders. Using constant comparative analysis of 21 in-depth interviews, investigators explored the reciprocal, interactive influence between caregiving and religion or spirituality. Findings suggested that participants perceived their approach to care as a personal ministry. Analysis of the core category of Caregiving as Ministry identified four characteristics of the participant's care approach: (a) caregiving is an honor and a blessing, (b) caregiving is my identity, (c) caregiving is sustained by a personal relationship with God, and (d) caregiving is a higher calling from God. The article concludes with three implications for direct and community-based social work practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE •The role of religion and/or spirituality for caregivers should be recognized and appreciated, thus avoiding problematizing or pathologizing this key resource.• There is potential for posttraumatic growth among caregivers, even in the midst of dealing with caregiving stressors.• Social workers can work collaboratively with congregations and religiously affiliated organizations to develop relevant and culturally sensitive support systems for caregivers.

Exploring positive experiences of primary and secondary caregivers of older persons in resource-limited urban settings in Accra, Ghana

“…States also found that caregivers perceived caregiving roles and responsibilities as a blessing [49,50].…”

The Importance of Religiosity to the Well-Being of African American Older Adults Living With Dementia

“…Religious involvement for persons living with dementia is important, but little research is available on how religiosity improves the well-being of African American older adults living with dementia. Literature discussing the influence of religious involvement and religious coping mechanisms for caregivers of persons living with dementia is inclusive of African American adults (Bennett, Sheridan, & Richardson, 2014; Dilworth-Anderson, Boswell, & Cohen, 2007; Farran, Paun, & Elliot, 2003; Fider et al, 2017; Sheridan, Burley, Hendricks, & Rose, 2014). However, there is a lack of research on the significance between religiosity and the well-being of African American older adults living with dementia.…”

Predictors of Quality of Life for African American Women Who Assist Persons Who Receive Dialysis

“…Caregiving is often viewed as a ministry in the African American community, so it is not uncommon for an individual to provide assistance to someone with no familial ties. In a qualitative study of African American caregivers, some caregivers referenced that being Christian meant to help anyone in need (Bennett, Sheridan, & Richardson, 2014). Also, many African American caregivers provide assistance to other persons, such as grandchildren, children, and other family members (i.e., aunts, uncles, cousins) in addition to caregiving duties for a chronically ill person (Hargrave, 2010).…”