The Influence of Formal and Informal Helpers on Primary Caregivers' Perceptions of Quality of Care

Abstract

Primary caregivers' perceptions of the overall quality of care given to their impaired elderly relatives are more strongly related to the perceived helpfulness of selected formal care providers (home aides, physicians, and social workers) than to the perceived helpfulness of selected kin caregivers. Caregiver race and age, the types of other family members who are helping, and whether a nurse is involved influence caregivers'perceptions of the helpfulness of these formal care providers.

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