Elder care: a positive approach to caregiving.

The primary focus of caregiving research over the past two decades has centered on the negative aspects of the caregiving process. The purpose of this paper is to show that there are positive aspects to caregiving and the importance of refocusing attention to this area. Lack of information regarding the positive dimensions of caregiving alters perceptions of the caregiving experience and limits the ability to enhance theory related to caregiver adaptation. Understanding positive aspects of caregiving may help clinicians and practitioners work more effectively with the family caregiver.