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Stability of informal long-term care
A M Jette1, S L Tennstedt, L G Branch
1New England Research Institute, Watertown, MA 02172.
Journal of Aging and Health
|April 8, 1992
Summary
Informal caregivers, including family and friends, continue to provide essential long-term care over a decade. Caregiving transitions typically involve a new informal caregiver, not a shift to formal services.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Health
- Family Studies
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding family abandonment of caregiving roles due to increasing long-term care needs and social changes.
- Previous research has not fully captured the long-term stability of informal caregiving relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence and patterns of informal caregiving over an extended period.
- To determine if informal caregivers withdraw support or if a transition to formal services occurs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from two longitudinal studies tracking informal care provision.
- Examination of care source continuity and transitions over a 10-year period.
Main Results:
- Informal caregivers (family and friends) consistently remained the primary source of assistance over 10 years.
- The majority of elders maintained their primary informal caregiver; transitions usually involved a new informal caregiver from a younger generation.
- Few elders transitioned from informal care to formal services or ceased receiving care altogether.
Conclusions:
- Informal caregiving networks demonstrate remarkable stability and resilience over time.
- Family and friends remain a dependable source of long-term care, adapting through generational succession rather than abandonment.
- The findings challenge fears of widespread withdrawal of informal support for elders needing long-term care.