Elderly African Americans as intragenerational caregivers.
A growing number of older Americans serve as caregiving resources for their elderly spouses, partners, relatives, and/or friends. Yet, little research has addressed the impact and implications of this trend among African Americans. This article describes the results of a qualitative study examining the intragenerational caregiving experiences and perspectives of two cohorts of African Americans (urban and rural, N = 129) between the ages of 58 and 89. Its findings reveal important differences and commonalities associated with elderly African American caregivers and their care giving in urban and rural settings. Additionally, the study suggests that volunteer caregivers can often fill the void left by partners and relatives who predecease or fail to assume responsibility for the care of their elderly relatives. Their efforts do not displace those of friends and family members, but rather address unmet needs in available care. The discussion focuses on the implications of the study findings for public policy and practice.
Mbanaso
Michael Udo
MU
E. Franklin Frazier Center for Social Work Research, Howard University School of Social Work, 601 Howard Place, NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA. mmbanaso@howard.edu
Shavelson
Jeffrey
J
Ukawuilulu
John
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States