The Highs and Lows of Caregiving for Chronically Ill Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Elders

Anna M. Muraco, Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examines informal caregivers’ and LGB care recipients’ “best” and “worst” experiences of care within their relationship. Communal relationship theory guides the research. The work uses qualitative interview data from a sample of 36 care pairs (n=72), divided between committed partners and friends, to understand the similarities and differences in the care norms employed in varied relationship contexts. Findings from the study show that relationship context influences the experiences that caregivers and care recipients identify as “best” and “worst,” but often focus on the relationship and needs met at bests, and conflict and fear of worsening health as worsts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)251-272
JournalJournal of Gerontological Social Work
Volume57
Issue number0
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • caregiving
  • GLBT populations
  • GLBT issues
  • qualitative
  • chronic illness

Disciplines

  • Sociology

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