Differences in the Experiential Well-being of Hispanics and Non-Hispanics Engaged in Elder Care

Hispanic Caregivers of the Money Follows the Person Program in Connecticut: Satisfaction, Familism, and Burden

“…Interestingly, the third proxy for familism, getting help from family and friends, was not significant even though nearly 48% of caregivers had additional family and friends assisting them. This result seems consistent with the findings of Kalenkoski et al (2022) that Hispanic caregivers derive psychic benefits from caregiving, but may still report higher sadness if they have weaker support networks. It is possible that, while familism and familial interconnectedness (Steidel & Contreras, 2003) matter to a large extent for Hispanic caregivers in general, the MFP program itself provides enough useful services that help from family and friends is less essential for these caregivers.…”

“…About 36% of Hispanic households have at least one family caregiver compared to the national average of 29% (NHCOA, 2017). Hispanic caregivers also undertake more caregiving hours per week, are more likely to share their home with their care recipient(s), and to engage in high-burden activities such as personal care assistance and complex medical tasks (AARP & NAC, 2020; Kalenkoski et al, 2022; NHCOA, 2018).…”

“…The strain or load borne by a person who assists a chronically ill or frail older family member or other person with a disability (Knight & Sayegh, 2010; Stucki & Mulvey, 2000) and a reluctance to report such burden, to delegate tasks, or to use outside services, may increase vulnerability, exhaustion, worrying, and distress (Crist et al, 2006; Escandón, 2006; Evans et al, 2014; Neary & Mahoney, 2005). One recent study of Hispanic caregivers found that while they experience greater psychic benefits caring for older adults, they also report greater levels of sadness caring for a household member, possibly due to weaker support networks and reluctance to share burden (Kalenkoski et al, 2022). Thus, foundational beliefs about the caregiver role influence their experience, resource utilization, burden perceptions, and characterizations (Gallagher-Thompson et al, 2003).…”

“…psychic benefits caring for older adults, they also report greater levels of sadness caring for a household member, possibly due to weaker support networks and reluctance to share burden (Kalenkoski et al, 2022). Thus, foundational beliefs about the caregiver role influence their experience, resource utilization, burden perceptions, and characterizations (Gallagher-Thompson et al, 2003).…”

Care v. Caring: Obligation, Duty, and Love Among Latino Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers

“…Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can place a tremendous financial and emotional burden on caregivers. Caregiving for someone with dementia has long been associated with declines in physical health and psychological well-being (Mausbach et al, 2007; Ownby et al, 2010; Shaw et al, 1999; Richardson et al, 2013; Rosa & Fuentes, 2020; Chen et al, 2020; Kalenkoski et al, 2021). Caregiving for someone with dementia in particular can be more stressful due to the behavioral management challenge of the disease (Greenwood & Smith, 2019).…”