Family Members' Involvement in Caring for an Aging Parent

Author:

• Jennifer A. Kam (Penn State University)

Abstract:

Four focus groups were conducted with adult children (N = 15) identifying as primary caregivers for an aging parent. The purpose was to discover themes regarding: (a) the involvement of these primary caregivers' family members (e.g., significant other, siblings, and children), (b) how these family members contributed to the decision making regarding the parent's care, and (c) how the primary caregivers handled conflicts. Primary caregivers described their family members' involvement as being a sounding board, taking care of the home, providing excuses for a lack of involvement, and questioning, criticizing, or disregarding the primary caregiver. Among decision making, primary caregivers reported that their siblings in particular tended to relinquish the decision making, trusting that the primary caregivers would make the best decision. Further, caregivers identified conflict avoidance as a theme by biting their tongue to prevent relational strain or because they did not believe the family members would change.