Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Investigates caregiver status among LGBTQ+ older adults.
• Examines social support, relationships, and care outcomes.
• Focuses on the unique experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the associations between caregiver status and social support, relationships, and care outcomes.
• To understand the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who are caregivers.
• To identify potential areas for intervention and support.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the LGBTQ+ Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study (QSNAPS) Wave 3 (N=982).
• Employed descriptive and logistic regression analyses.
• Examined associations between caregiver status and LGBTQ+-identity social support, care, and care recipient relationships.

Main Results:

• 8.1% of respondents (80 individuals) are caregivers for 90 individuals with neurocognitive disorders, often their parents.
• Caregivers reported significantly less family, coworker, and neighbor support for LGBTQ+ identities.
• Caregivers received more practical help but faced challenges accessing their own healthcare.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight reduced social support networks for LGBTQ+ caregivers.
• Identifies a need for interventions to mitigate health disparities among LGBTQ+ caregivers.
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding social support and healthcare access for this population.