Samantha Pantelic
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Sarah Patterson
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Institute of Social Research / Other
Program:
Authors: Samantha Pantelic, Sarah Patterson
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 81
Abstract
As individuals continue to age and live longer, the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (ADRD) is rapidly increasing. In fact, the prevalence of dementia is expected to double by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2020). As a result, there is an increasing demand and need for caregivers, and families are most expected to provide this care in the U.S. (Freedman & Spillman, 2014; Roberto & Blieszner, 2015). Since previous U.S. research of caregiving is often from a traditional, nuclear-family perspective, modern U.S. family structures and caregiver relationships—affected by social trends in marriage, parenthood, and LGBTQ+ relationships—are underrepresented (Roberto & Blieszner, 2015). Therefore, this study wishes to connect with a diverse sample of caregivers in order to assess common definitions of family, caregiving, and expectations of responsibility. In total, six focus groups of caregivers for older adults with trouble remembering have been conducted, and 34 total participants were recruited through University of Michigan’s Health and Research Registry, direct emails, and posters. Four of the focus groups include underrepresented caregivers, such as extended family, young adults (age 18 – 25), friends, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Currently, there are no official results because the focus group analysis has recently started. Transcripts will be coded using qualitative software and undergo a team-based analysis using Ground Theory, where main concepts are allowed to “emerge” through the participant’s stories. Overall, we hope that these findings shed light on caregiver identities, experiences, and responsibilities, which will inform survey development that can then be used by professionals in time-constrained clinical settings and policy development. References: Alzheimer’s Association. (2020). 2020 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 16(3), 391–460. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12068 Freedman, V. A., & Spillman, B. C. (2014). Disability and care needs among older Americans. Milbank Quarterly, 92(3), 509–541. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0009.12076 Roberto, K. A., & Blieszner, R. (2015). Diverse family structures and the care of older persons. Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement, 34(3), 305–320. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980815000288
