Author(s)

Debra Gibbs, Julia Bilotta, Chanté Bowens, Monica Dougherty, Emma Murphy, Nicki Richardson, Molly Schneider-Adams

Belmont University, Nashville, USA.

Objectives: The population of older adults is growing rapidly, creating high demand for the involvement of working family caregivers. This concurrent mixed-methods study sought to obtain information from working family caregivers regarding their perceptions of the usefulness of an online employee assistance support tool. Methods: Working family caregivers (n = 15) participated in a semi-structured focus group completing a demographic survey and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI). Results: Total MCSI score had a statistically significant positive relationship with hours of care provision per week and presented an inverse association with caregiver age. Caregiver age had a statistically significant inverse relationship with the perception of caregiving as confining. Qualitative data identified needs for family caregivers support in three major themes: knowledge, understanding, and connection. Discussion: This study highlights a myriad of caregiver burden experiences and the necessity of various supports for each caregiver’s unique situation beyond the traditional workplace polices.

Working Family Caregivers, Caregiver Burden, Older Adults, Caregiver Resources, Aging

Gibbs, D. , Bilotta, J. , Bowens, C. , Dougherty, M. , Murphy, E. , Richardson, N. and Schneider-Adams, M. (2021) Working Family Caregivers’ Perception of Usefulness of an Online Employee Assistance Support Tool: A Pilot Study. Open Access Library Journal, 8, 1-15. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1107663.