Preliminary study of caregiving and post-caregiving experiences of older gay men and lesbians

K. Hash

This qualitative study expands the existing family caregiving model to include the unique experiences of older gay men and lesbians caring for chronically ill, same-sex partners. In-depth interviews of four caregivers focused on the strains and positive aspects involved in caregiving and following the cessation of care. The analysis of preliminary interviews revealed that respondents had similar experiences as those in previous caregiving studies (including physical, financial and emotional strains). The unique aspects of their experiences, however, involved interactions with formal and informal support persons, attitudes towards helping professionals, disclosure of the relationship, and longterm planning and decision-making.<Copies are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Center. The Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA>