The Unmet Needs of Family Caregivers: Implications for Policy and Practice

About This Analysis: This analysis examined some of the factors that can be present when a family caregiver has unmet needs with caregiving.

Summary Findings: Family caregivers were more likely to have had unmet needs related to caregiving if they were younger than 75 years of age, black, employed, had a serious health condition, cared for someone with a serious health condition, felt uncomfortable providing care, and provided care of a greater intensity and longer duration.

Conclusion: Caregivers who may be vulnerable and need supportive services can be identified by certain demographic, health, and caregiving characteristics.

Presentations: Navaie-Waliser, M., McDonald, M., and Feldman, P.H. The Unmet Needs of Family Caregivers: Implications for Policy and Practice. Gerontological Society of America, Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., November 2000.