2022 International Conference on Aging in the Americas

Abstract

Informed by the sociocultural caregiver stress process model, the purpose of this study is to explore the role of caregiver stressors and resources for Mexican American caregiver turnover and depressive symptoms. Using two waves of the Hispanic Established Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly Caregiver Supplement (H-EPESE CG, 2010/2011-2016 N=333), we estimate logistic and OLS regressions of caregiver turnover and caregiver depressive symptoms over five years. Objective stressors, particularly neuropsychiatric expressions of dementia, were significantly associated with greater risk for caregiver turnover between waves. Subjective stress, on the other hand, was associated with a lower risk for depressive symptoms over time for caregivers who remained in their role. Resources, including help outside of the family, was a significant factor in caregiver depressive symptoms over time. The findings demonstrate the need for dementia care supports for Mexican American caregivers and improving access to formal, long-term care services and supports.

Presenters

Sunshine Rote
Associate Professor, Interim Director of Research, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, United States

Kyriakos (Kokos) Markides
Annie & John Gnitzinger Professor of Aging Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch, Director of the Division of Sociomedical Sciences , United States

Jacqueline Angel
Wilbur J. Cohen Professor of Health and Social Policy, Professor of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, United States