Abstract:

Examines the emotional costs & benefits of caregiving for elderly parents, drawing on telephone interview data from 297 women in Victoria, Australia. Analyses reveal that, in addition to elder care, 50% of these women had paid employment & 33% had dependent children. Overload was highest for carers with multiple roles, particularly as parent or worker. Resentment in the caring role was highest for those who had fewer roles apart from elder care, particularly those who had quit work, & those without a partner. Life satisfaction was higher for partnered & working carers. Findings highlight the need for structures to support the maintainance of multiple roles, including greater workplace flexibility & encouragement of greater reliance on informal networks & formal services. Such structures require increased societal acknowledgment of the elder care role.