Abstract

The present study examined characteristics of 174 caregivers providing care for an older adult (age 60 and over) residing along the US–Mexico border to assess differences in caregiving trends among caregivers aged 65 and over and caregivers below age 65. Caregiver burden, community supports and formal services utilized by caregivers, training and education desired by caregivers, and activities caregivers used to reduce caregiver stress were examined. The majority of caregivers were Hispanic females. The results showed caregivers aged ≥ 65 perceived their caregiving burden in the moderate range whereas caregivers under age 65 reported levels of burden that tended to be at the extreme (i.e., either little or no burden or severe burden). Most caregivers reported engaging in adaptive behaviors (e.g., attending church) while avoiding unhealthy activities (e.g., drinking alcohol) to reduce caregiver stress and half the caregivers used home health care providers. The majority of caregivers indicated a need for community support services yet only half reported using community supports and most were skeptical about receiving information or training identified by community agencies as useful for caregivers. Counseling implications regarding Hispanic caregiving and recommendations for future research are provided.