Alzheimer's Disease is a dementing illness that strikes one in ten people over the age of sixty-five and one half of those over the age of eighty-five. Expected increases in longevity will result in a concomitant increase in the numbers afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease. Seventy-five percent of patients live at home and are taken care of by female family members. Caregiving is extremely stressful and can be a detriment to both health and finances. Forty-two African American and white female caregivers were interviewed for this primarily qualitative study. This research considers three coping mechanisms; assistance from family members, use of adult daycare, and spirituality. Comparisons of the use of these coping mechanisms are made depending on the caregiver's race and class. Findings indicate that there is some difference in the use of these coping mechanisms depending on the caregiver's race and class. Findings indicate that there is no difference by race or class in assistance from family members when the caregivers are non-spousal. Findings also indicate the possibility that caregivers would benefit from "in-family" respite care. Findings further indicate that adult daycare use differs by social class, due to the expense of the service. This finding points to the need for further subsidies. Findings also indicate that African American caregivers tend to rely on God and prayer when their frustration level increases, while white caregivers do not.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will understand that, according to this study, there is no difference in the need for assistance with caregiving by race or class and, owing to the expense of the service, the use of adult daycare does differ by class
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.