Listening to caregiving sons: misunderstood realities.
In-depth interviews with 30 sons actively involved in caring for a parent with dementia expand the understanding of sons' caregiving experiences. The within-group analysis revealed common themes that emerged from the narratives--duty, acceptance, taking charge, common emotions, and work flexibility--as well as common issues--loss, sibling relationships, role reversal, coping strategies, and positive outcomes. The interviews also generated a typology of son caregivers that included such types as the dutiful son, the son who goes the extra mile, the strategic planner, and the son who shares the care.
Harris
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Department of Sociology, John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH 44118, USA. pharris@jcvaxa.jcu.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009820:Ohio; D012380:Role