Working-out caregiving systems in African American families

Abstract

This study focused on family caregiving of older people in the African American population. Specifically, it used the constant comparative method to describe caregiving processes in these families. In-depth interviews with 17 caregivers revealed that caregiving activities were initially difficult and stressful but became somewhat easier for the caregivers over time. This report describes the major process that accounted for this difference (working-out systems) and describes the steps involved in working-out systems.