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Research in Caregiving

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The Challenges of Mental Health Caregiving

Part of the book series: Caregiving: Research • Practice • Policy ((CARE))

Abstract

Between 1950 and 2050, the proportion of those aged 65 years and older in the population will more than double (Himes, Elderly Americans, 2001). As the population ages, the likelihood of frailty, dementia, and disabling illness increases. This unprecedented growth in the elderly population in need of support presents multiple challenges for society and in particular, for families who are frequently called upon to act as caregivers for impaired spouses, parents, and siblings. A tremendous degree of burden and psychological distress are associated with the caregiving role (Schulz et al., Gerontologist 35:771–791, 1995). For this reason, research is essential to identify those caregivers who are most susceptible to adverse outcomes and to identify and alleviate the burden associated with different aspects of the caregiving experience. Furthermore, innovative caregiving research can lead to the development of constructive interventions that will aid families, older adults, and society at large.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine/University of Miami, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3204A, 33136, Miami, FL, USA

    Elizabeth A. Crocco MD & Carl Eisdorfer

Authors
  1. Elizabeth A. Crocco MD
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  2. Carl Eisdorfer
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Correspondence to Elizabeth A. Crocco MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA

    Ronda C. Talley

  2. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Gregory L. Fricchione

  3. Dept. Health Policy and Management Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Benjamin G. Druss

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Crocco, E., Eisdorfer, C. (2014). Research in Caregiving. In: Talley, R., Fricchione, G., Druss, B. (eds) The Challenges of Mental Health Caregiving. Caregiving: Research • Practice • Policy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8791-3_11

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