Caring for older adults: the benefits of informal family caregiving

Recent literature emphasizes the burdens of caregiving, but there has been limited focus on benefits accrued by family members who care for older adults. This article describes phase three of a research study of employed caregivers in the workplace. Phase three of the study was a caregiver support group. Data from the support group meetings were content analyzed and interpreted using a lifespan perspective. Four themes relevant to caregiver benefits emerged: celebrating the small things, resolving past hurts and conflicts, developing personal strength and aging readiness, and experiencing the older person's full life. The shift from perceived burden to perceived benefit occurred gradually among support group members. Routine and intentional assessment of caregiving benefits or rewards within a supportive milieu may mitigate burden among people who care for older family members.