Individually-Tailored Support for Ethnically-Diverse Caregivers: Enhancing Our Understanding of What Is Needed and What Works |
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Authors: | Caroline Rosenthal Gelman Tracey Sokoloff Noel Graziani Emma Arias Anyelina Peralta |
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Institution: | 1. Silberman School of Social Work and Hartford Silberman Center of Excellence in Aging and Diversity, Hunter College, New York, New York, USAcgelman@hunter.cuny.edu;3. Isabella Geriatric Center, New York, New York, USA |
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Abstract: | Family caregivers play a crucial role in maintaining older adults in the community, often at great cost to themselves. We discuss a program serving ethnically-diverse caregivers in New York, offering, on average, 11 case-management hr per client. Participants reported statistically significantly reduced stress and burden. Respite was the most requested service, belying an assumption underlying policies and services that families, particularly among minority populations, can and will care for their older members. Thus, services must be carefully tailored to meet actual caregiver needs, including provision of alternatives that reduce caregiver involvement. We discuss practice and policy implications. |
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Keywords: | mixed methods caregiving ethnicity and multicultural issues |
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