“If I'm Not Allowed to Put My Family First”: Challenges Experienced by Women Who Are Caregiving for Family Members with Dementia

ABSTRACT

In this study of 26 employed, West Texas women care-givers, we found that women worried that they would not be able to give their family members the care they deserved because of the multiple demands placed on them. Women actively negotiated working conditions to achieve flexibility. Women who did not have access to flexibility often changed jobs until they had working conditions that provided it. Work provided a respite and a chance to feel some measure of control. In spite of the importance of work to them, these women paid costs for balancing both roles.

KEYWORDS:

• Caregiving
• dementia caregiving
• women and caregiving
• work and caregiving