When the Caregiver Needs Care: The Plight of Vulnerable Caregivers

About This Analysis: Family caregivers were separated into two categoriesævulnerable (reporting fair to poor health or a serious health condition), n=238; and non-vulnerable (not having these characteristics), n=764æto examine the experiences and challenges of vulnerable caregivers.

Summary Findings: Thirty-six percent of family caregivers were found to be vulnerable. Compared to non-vulnerable caregivers, vulnerable caregivers were more likely to have needed help providing care, provided 20 or more hours of care per week, cared for someone in poor health, and had difficulty providing care. Overall, vulnerable family caregivers provided care of a greater intensity and for longer periods of time than non-vulnerable caregivers.

Conclusions: Family caregivers who are at high risk for needing care themselves are a vulnerable population. Public policies that limit health care and social services for the elderly and the chronically ill may create a hazardous environment for both family caregivers and recipients of their care.

Publications: Navaie-Waliser, M., Feldman, P.H., Gould, D.A., Levine, C., Kuerbis, A.N., and Donelan, K. March 2002. “When the Caregiver Needs Care: The Plight of Vulnerable Caregivers.” American Journal of Public Health 92(3): 409-413.