Abstract:

This working paper provides an overview of current theoretical and empirical understanding of family caregiving in later life families. It begins with a brief description of the demographic and public policy trends that lead one to expect a continuing increase in informal caregiving. As part of this description, the authors provide new information from a U.S. national survey of adults regarding the incidence and transitions into and out of various types of family caregiving across a five-year period. They describe some contemporary theoretical perspectives that inform research on family caregiving and briefly summarize the determinants and consequences of providing care. Directions for future family caregiving research is also discussed.