SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATES OF THE SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF INFORMAL CAREGIVER NETWORKS AMONG FRAIL ETHNIC ELDERLY

The present study focused on the size and composition of informal caregiver networks among four ethnic groups in the United States. Social and demographic correlates of network patterns were examined using data from the 1982 National Long Term Care Survey. Multivariate analysis of 737 ethnic respondents revealed no significant size differences between Afro - American, and English-, Irish- and German American networks. However, Afro - American elderly were more likely than their white ethnic counterparts to receive help outside of the immediate family. Furthermore, among the various groups, income, marital status, region, living with the caregiver and physical limitations are differentially related to size; marital status, sex, living arrangements and activity limitations are related Lo composition. We conclude that both cultural and structural factors explain the variations found among ethnic groups in patterns of support.