Measurement, Associated Factors, and Gender Implications of Care Views towards Older Persons with Disabilities: The Case of Trinidad

This study measures care views towards older persons with disabilities using Trinidad as a case study. A questionnaire is first developed based on Daly and Lewis’ (2000) three-dimensional concept of care which is then administered to a representative sample of adults in Trinidad. Results from 868 respondents reveal six dimensions of care, with care as a duty having the same prevalence as four other views, namely, care as labour, a cost to the individual, a cost to other relatives, and a financial burden. Regression analysis is conducted to determine the significant factors for each dimension. Ethnicity, employment status, education, and experiences with persons with disabilities have varying and sometimes conflicting effects on the care dimensions. The explicit influence of gender on the care views is also investigated. Overall, the findings are discussed within the ethics of care framework to ensure various care needs are met.