U.S. State Policy Contexts and the Social, Emotional, Mental, and Physical Wellbeing of Older Adults’ Caregivers

• In Event: Policies and Health

Abstract

Caring for an aging family member is associated with significant health risks and some potential wellbeing benefits. Through policies that support long-term care and provide a social safety net, state policy contexts in the United States (US) may play a role in mitigating or exacerbating these risks and benefits shaping the health and wellbeing of caregivers. These policies may shape caregiver health 1) through their impact on caregiving intensity or 2) independent of caregiving intensity. Yet, little is known about whether and how state policy contexts shape caregiver wellbeing in the US. Using nationally representative data from the National Study of Caregivers (NSOC; N= 4,120) and state-level panel data on state policy liberalism and state long-term care policy generosity, this study investigates associations between state policy contexts and caregivers’ social, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. This study also considers how these policy associations may vary by gender. Early results suggest that, independent of caregiving intensity, state policy liberalism and state investment in at-home care are associated with caregiver wellbeing, and relationships vary by gender. Altogether, findings from this study will advance understanding of the role of policy contexts in shaping care-related outcomes and inequalities.

Author

• Elise M Parrish, University of Pennsylvania