A Haven in a Heartless World? Challenges to Family Mobilization among Latino Dementia Caregivers

• In Event: 067 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 02. Health, Living Arrangements, and Care for Older Latinos and Immigrants

Abstract

Objective: To describe factors that challenge family mobilization in dementia caregiving processes for Latino families. Though previous research theorizes that families are key sources of support for Latino dementia caregiving, we identify barriers to family resource reliance.
Method: We analyze in-depth interviews with 16 Latino, mostly Mexican-origin, dementia caregivers from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA). Qualitative analysis techniques are used to identify factors that impede on family mobilization in response to behavioral problems exhibited by elder care recipients.
Results: The majority of caregivers report strain from their elder care recipients’ behavioral problems. Problematic behaviors influence (a) social factors such as spending free time together, (b) psychological factors such as stress and burden, and (c) health factors such as caregivers’ own maintenance of chronic conditions. These factors, in turn, limit family social engagement.
Discussion: The time-intensive and demanding caregiving situations reported by Latino dementia caregivers indicate that home-based assistance is needed for this caregiver population.

Authors

• Sunshine Marie Rote, University of Louisville

• Jacqueline L. Angel, University of Texas at Austin