Elder caregiver burden in South Asian families in the United States: A causal analysis
This study proposes a causal model of perceived caregiver burden among South Asian families living in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area. A sample of 118 Indian and Pakistani caregivers of the elderly were interviewed over the phone. A structural equation model was tested with factors predicting burden among South Asian caregivers of the elderly. This study identifies the role of multiple demands on the caregiver's time as a major factor predicting caregiver burden. In the South Asian community those who identify more closely with Asian cultural beliefs provide greater number of caregiving tasks as is traditionally the custom. Presently, several religious and non-profit groups are an important setting for the caregivers of the elderly to meet and form an informal support network that provides psychological support. The implications for social work education and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).