Identifying Opportunities to Support Family Caregiving in Chile

Abstract

Once older adults become less self-sufficient, one or more adult children often assume the role of family caregiver. Unfortunately, this situation is usually perceived as stressful by caregivers. To better understand this process, we interviewed intergenerational triads: older adults, their adult children acting as caregivers, and their grandchildren. The study results show that the commitment of caregivers is quite strong regardless of the place where they live. In addition, the gender of older adults and caregivers affects the dynamics and complexity of the process. Through this study we aim to identify opportunities to support family caregiving, respecting the preexisting relations, attitudes, needs, and expectations of the involved stakeholders.