Family Caregiviers of the Frail Elderly: A Jewish Communal Response to Expressed Needs

Publication Date: January 1993

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Shari L. Brotman; Mark J. Yaffe

Research Area: Culture and religion; Health

Keywords: Health; Elderly; Social services

Type: Report

Coverage: Canada

Abstract:

This study explores expressed needs of family caregivers of the frail elderly of Montreal. Particular attention was paid to comparisons between Jewish caregivers of Ashkenazi and Sephardi origin. Younger caregivers were significantly more able to gain access to formal resources, as well as to maintain more informal family andfriend support. In contrast, older caregivers felt more isolated and had lower life satisfaction. Sephardi caregivers were significantly more isolated and less able to mobilize outside resources than Ashkenazi caregivers. All caregivers expressed significant service needs in areas of financial support, assisted transportation, ongoing counseling, and respite care.