Family Influence on Caregiver Resistance, Efficacy, and Use of Services in Family Elder Care

Abstract

This research investigated how resistance to use of services attributed to family members and primary caregiver self-efficacy and resistance influenced actual use of services. Data were analyzed from questionnaires completed by 224 persons engaged in informal elder care in the community. Tests of 6 hypotheses revealed that family influence on caregivers had a consistent, important influence on behavior and views of caregivers. Family resistance to use of formal services framed caregivers' feelings, preferences, and decisions ranging from their own perceived self-efficacy to actual obtainment of help outside the family. Professionals must include family members in their dialogue with primary caregivers about their plans for elder care. Suggestions for interventions to better understand family and caregiver resistance are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Caregiving
• service utilization
• caregivers
• caregiver attitudes