100802: Family Caregivers of Impoverished Mexican-American Elderly Women

About the Course:

Using an interview format, this exploratory study examined the narratives of 15 Mexican American primary caretakers and the perceived effects of adult day care centers(ADCs) on the lives of their elderly, impoverished parents. Emergent themes and categories included (a) caretaking and gender differences, (b) resistance to nursing homes, (c) negative perceptions of White caregivers, (d) perceived positive effect of ADCs on the elderly parent’s physical and emotional (depression) states and the elderly parent–caregiver relationship, and (d) the negative effects of stress associated with caregiving. The data also provide insight into complicated dynamics regarding the differential treatment of daughters and sons in Mexican American families. Pearlin’s stress process model provides explanations for the buffering effects of ADCs reported by caregivers. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Introduction II. Theoretical Considerations III. Method IV. Results V. Discussions, Limitations, and Conclusions

Publication Date:

2005 /Vol. 86, No. 3

Authors

Albert A. Valadez, PhD; Bibiana Gutierrez, PhD; Sabina de Vries-Kell, MA

About the Authors:

Assistant Professor University of Texas at San Antonio

Assistant Professor University of Texas at San Antonio

Doctoral Student University of Texas at San Antonio

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about social work with older Mexican-American adults. It is appropriate for participants with all levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify themes found in interviews with family caregivers of impoverished Mexican American elderly women.