TITLE:
Working Family Caregivers’ Perception of Usefulness of an Online Employee Assistance Support Tool: A Pilot Study
AUTHORS:
Debra Gibbs, Julia Bilotta, Chanté Bowens, Monica Dougherty, Emma Murphy, Nicki Richardson, Molly Schneider-Adams
KEYWORDS:
Working Family Caregivers, Caregiver Burden, Older Adults, Caregiver Resources, Aging
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.8 No.7,
July
20,
2021
ABSTRACT: Objectives: The population of older adults is growing rapidly, creating high demand for the involvement of working family caregivers. This concurrent mixed-methods study sought to obtain information from working family caregivers regarding their perceptions of the usefulness of an online employee assistance support tool. Methods: Working family caregivers (n = 15) participated in a semi-structured focus group completing a demographic survey and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI). Results: Total MCSI score had a statistically significant positive relationship with hours of care provision per week and presented an inverse association with caregiver age. Caregiver age had a statistically significant inverse relationship with the perception of caregiving as confining. Qualitative data identified needs for family caregivers support in three major themes: knowledge, understanding, and connection. Discussion: This study highlights a myriad of caregiver burden experiences and the necessity of various supports for each caregiver’s unique situation beyond the traditional workplace polices.