Women as Caregivers in the Elderly

The value of the caregiver to the elderly with a rapidly aging population is unequivocal. Caregivers are able to reduce the cost of health care for this aging generation and provide “personalized care.” It is important to identify caregiver needs that address both their positive and negative psychosocial outcomes, including personal neglect, and both perceived and actual stress. Women are often juggling multiple roles and this chapter addresses how caregiving, although rewarding, can significantly affect a female caregiver’s own health and finances. This chapter explores the experiences of immigrants and indigenous peoples and reviews present interventions for coping with caregiver burnout.