Vroman Kerryellen, Morency Jamme
College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824, USA.
Int J Aging Hum Dev. 2011;72(1):1-25. doi: 10.2190/AG.72.1.a.
In this first study of informal caregiving for older adults in Belize, 29 caregivers described their experiences of caregiving, how they perceived and managed the role, and what critical resources they needed. The three main themes identified in the caregiver interviews were the experiences of caregivers, the rewards of caregiving, and navigating the caregiver role. Caregivers identified positively with the role of care provider and they did not describe it as burdensome nor did they describe role strain. However, caregivers' complaints of poor physical health might be construed as somatic expressions of strain. The caregivers' religiosity was salient to how they viewed and coped with their caregiver role. In conclusion, culture appears to influence positively caregivers' beliefs and perceptions of caregiving in Belize. However, the expected increase in the older population and current circumstances of many caregivers and care recipients means there is a critical need for resources to support caregivers and promote aging in place.
在这项关于伯利兹老年人非正式照料的首次研究中，29名照料者描述了他们的照料经历、对该角色的认知与管理方式，以及他们所需的关键资源。在照料者访谈中确定的三个主要主题是照料者的经历、照料的回报以及应对照料者角色。照料者对护理提供者的角色给予了积极认同，他们既没有将其描述为负担，也没有提及角色压力。然而，照料者对身体健康不佳的抱怨可能被视为压力的躯体表现。照料者的宗教信仰对于他们如何看待和应对照料者角色至关重要。总之，文化似乎对照料者在伯利兹的照料信念和认知产生了积极影响。然而，老年人口的预期增加以及许多照料者和受照料者的当前状况意味着迫切需要资源来支持照料者并促进就地养老。
