Health and Social Consequences of Caregiving for Family and Friend Caregivers of Older Adults

• Author / Creator

  Lucas, Sarah J

• There is growing evidence of social and health consequences that threaten both adequacy of care and caregiver quality of life. Inconsistencies in empirical evidence and lack of an organizing framework have resulted in knowledge gaps in the types and extent of these consequences and of those at high risk of poor outcomes. The purpose of this research was to review systematically the current literature on the health and social consequences incurred by family/friend caregivers and to develop a taxonomy. Results indicated three broad categories of cost: physical health, mental/emotional health and social well-being. Certain characteristics of the caregiver, the care receiver, their relationship and the context and nature of care are all factors that can identify caregivers at high risk of experiencing health and social consequences. Results are discussed in terms of differential experiences by high risk caregivers, identification of knowledge gaps as well as implications of findings for stakeholders.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Scoping review
  • Physical health
  • Risk factors
  • Social well-being
  • Caregiving
  • Consequences
  • Elder care
  • Older adults
  • Mental/emotional health

• Graduation date

  Spring 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3FT6F

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.