What Matters Most? Intersectional Correlates of Caregiver Burdens

Abstract

Increasing numbers of older adults require caregiver support from unpaid caregivers. Yet, there is limited research on caregiver burden type and interactions across race, gender, and other sociodemographic characteristics. This quantitative study uses an intersectional framework to examine associations between caregiving burden and sociodemographic factors. Using survey data from the National Survey of Caregiving the sample included unpaid caregivers (N = 1304) of older adult (65+) Medicare beneficiaries. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that over 40% of the respondents reported emotional difficulties. Correlates to emotional difficulties included race, gender, age, and income with an age by income interaction. For physical difficulties, gender, age, work, and education mattered most, with an age by education interaction. Age and income predicted financial difficulties without interactions. Findings suggest that policymakers target emotional and physical difficulties, attend to age and socioeconomic status, and address the unique challenges faced in midlife by caregivers.

Keywords: family issues; intersectionality; race; unpaid caregivers; well-being.