Does Caregiving Influence Planning for Future Aging?: A Mixed Methods Study
Date
2019-08-30
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Abstract
This study employed a mixed-method design to examine how experiences of providing care and transitioning a family member into residential care (RC) influence views on aging and planning behaviors, taking into account the social context in which caregiving and planning occur. Quantitative data were derived from the Planning for Future Dependency Study. Participants over 50 years of age (N = 346; M = 66 years, SD = 9.70) completed well-validated self-report questionnaires. Quantitative measures evaluated group differences among three groups (non-caregivers, caregivers only, caregivers with experience in assisting with an RC transition) on preparation for future care needs, specific planning actions, anxiety about aging, fear of filial burden, expectations of care, anticipated future support, and perceived social support. A subsample of self-reported caregivers (n = 20) completed semi-structured qualitative interviews, which examined how experiences of caregiving, and for some assisting in a transition to RC, influenced views on aging and planning. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS programming, and transcribed qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicated significant group differences in relation to views on aging and planning, that caregiving is significantly predictive of planning, and that social support is an influential factor in both caregiving and planning. Taken together, these results underscore the impact of caregiving experiences on how one views their own aging and prepares for it.
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Geropsychology, Caregiving, Long term care, Planning for aging
Citation
Gorenko, J. A. (2019). Does Caregiving Influence Planning for Future Aging?: A Mixed Methods Study (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.