Olivia Morreale
Research Mentor(s): Sarah Patterson
Mentor Department: Institute of Social Research
Authors:
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Presentation Type: Oral
Abstract
The structure of family units has become more complex, characterized by more ties to other members but weaker ties between members (Seltzer, 2019; Wiembers et al., 2019). However, research on caregiving norms has focused on adult children only, overlooking family-specific norms that shape responsibilities and expectations within larger family systems (Silverstein et al., 2002). Further, existing survey items disregard the increased prevalence of diverse family forms among older adults, limiting an understanding how caregiving is performed within contemporary family structures. This study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 utilized six focus groups (N=33) of family or friends caring for older adults with trouble remembering, memory issues, or dementia to explore definitions of family, care, and responsibility. Phase 2 employed cognitive interviews (N=17) to assess the validity of survey items that measure families. Preliminary results indicate that friends and non-kin become “like family†to caregivers when they provide care, and that family-specific dynamics impact how care and obligations are assumed within family units. Survey items should be re-conceptualized to appropriately reflect understandings of family within the context of dementia caregiving. The findings underscore the need for more accurate information about the processes impacting within-family caregiving for older adults with dementia.
