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Comparing the experiences of black and white caregivers of dementia patients
- Author:
- COX Carole
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work: A journal of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 40(3), May 1995, pp.343-349.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Caregivers' capacities to cope with dementia patients are severely challenged as demands for care and impairment levels concomitantly increase. Consequently, the experience can be extremely stressful because it affects many areas of the caregivers' life. Using a conceptual stress development model that treats informal supports and competency as potential mediators, the outcomes of caregiving were examined in samples of black and white caregivers. A perceived lack of informal supports and a sense of incompetency exacerbated stress among the black caregivers but had no effects among the white caregivers. White caregivers were predominantly affected by the impairment of the patient. Cultural differences in caregiver expectations that influence needs are proposed as an explanation for these findings. To be most effective in reducing caregiver stress, social workers must be sensitive to the diversity of values and expectations that can affect the experiences of these individuals.
Race and caregiving: patterns of service use by African American and White caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease
- Author:
- COX Carole
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 32(2), 1999, pp.5-19.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Presents the results of a longitudinal study of African-American and white caregivers seeking assistance from the Alzheimer's Association in the USA. The results indicate that non-use is pervasive among both groups even though almost all report both needs and intentions to use services and support groups. The findings indicate that support groups can have a positive impact on well-being, and efforts should be made to encourage participation, particularly for the most vulnerable caregivers.