Caregiver Stress and the Elderly: A Familial Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the activities and perceptions of 41 spouses and adult daughters seeking psychological and social intervention with a frail spouse/parent. Findings indicate that spouses were involved in more "hands-on" care and identified the marital relationship or their own physical abilities as sources of caregiver stress. Daughters were less involved in direct care, although overall levels of care remained comparable, and identified responsibilities outside the caregiving relationship as their primary source of stress. The significance of the caregiver's familial status in developing treatment strategies that address caregiver stress are examined.