Relationship between the characteristics of elder caregivers and care recipients in community service utilization

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the characteristics of the elder caregiver and care recipient in community service utilization. The dramatic effect on the prevalence of elder caregiving is a great concern in the United States as the elder population 65 and older increases (Whitlack & Noelker, 1996). This study focused on the relationship between the characteristics of the caregiver and care recipient in the use of community services in elder caregiving. Cross tabulation and chi-square, factor analyses, and independent t-tests were employed as statistical analyses to evaluate the caregiver's and care recipient's characteristics in community service use. Cross tabulation and chi-square tests revealed significant differences in the use of community services and the caregiver's ethnicity, income level, education, marital status, and gender. A factor analysis revealed a significant difference in the caregiver's attitude and the use of community service. Two independent t-tests were performed and revealed differences on the care recipient's characteristics (age and functional ability) in the use of community services. An analysis of the data suggested that there was a relationship between the caregiver's and care recipient's characteristics in the use of community services.