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Stuckey, Jon C. Faith, Aging, and Dementia: Experiences of Christian, Jewish, and Non-Religious Spousal Caregivers and Older Adults. Dementia, Oct 2003; vol. 2: pp. 337-352

Research consistently documents positive relationships among religion, spirituality, and outcomes related to well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which spousal dementia caregivers and other older adults rely on religion and spirituality as coping resources. A total of 52 Christian, Jewish, and non-religious dementia caregivers - as well as matched comparison groups of non-caregivers - were interviewed. Qualitative data analysis yielded both common themes among the three religious groups as well as themes of distinction. The findings suggest that the search for meaning and purpose during stressful life events knows no religious or spiritual borders. Even among the non-religious and non-spiritual, purpose and meaning were found in other areas, including in caring for others, in friendships, or simply in the aesthetic joys of life.
 

Jordan I. Kosberg, Allan V. Kaufman, Louis D. Burgio, James D. Leeper and Fei Sun. Family Caregiving to Those With Dementia in Rural Alabama: Racial Similarities and Differences. J Aging Health 2007 19: 3

This study explored differences and similarities in the experiences of African American and White family caregivers of dementia patients living in rural Alabama. This cross-sectional survey used a caregiving stress model to investigate the interrelationships between caregiving burden, mediators, and outcomes. Random-digit-dialing telephone interviews were used to obtain data on a probability sample of 74 non-Hispanic White and 67 African American caregivers. White caregivers were more likely to be married and older, used acceptance and humor as coping styles, and had fewer financial problems. African American caregivers gave more hours of care, used religion and denial as coping styles, and were less burdened. The authors have developed a methodology for obtaining a representative sample of African American and White rural caregivers. Further investigations are needed of the interactions between urban/rural location and ethnic/racial backgrounds of dementia caregivers for heuristic and applied reasons.
 

Chan, A., Malhotra, C., Malhotra, R., Rush, A., & Østbye, T. (2013). Health Impacts of Caregiving for Older Adults With Functional Limitations: Results From the Singapore Survey on Informal Caregiving. Journal of Aging & Health, 25(6), 998-1012.

To estimate the health impact, in terms of depression, self-rated health, and health services utilization, of providing care to older adults (75+) requiring human assistance in at least one activity of daily living (ADL) limitation. Method: Data from 1,077 caregivers and 318 noncaregivers, interviewed in the Singapore Survey on Informal Caregiving, was used to examine differences in depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and number of outpatient visits in the last 1 month between caregivers and noncaregivers. Multivariate models for the outcomes, adjusting for characteristics of the caregiver/noncaregiver and care-recipient/potential care recipient, were run. Results: Caregivers were more depressed, had poorer self-rated health, and had a higher rate of outpatient visits in the past month compared to noncaregivers. Discussion: The study indicates the need for support services to family caregivers of older adults with ADL limitations.