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Abstract

According to the National Family Caregivers Association (2009), 59% of the U.S. population will become family or informal caregivers of aging adults. As the population ages, financial resources for support are diminishing. A needs-assessment of these caregivers is necessary to best direct resources and develop efficient, well-serving programs. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of using Q methodology within aging research; within this context the authors explain how the Q methodology study enabled the determination of the various views and consensus among groups of caregivers of aging adults. The authors also demonstrate how these views and consensus can then, in turn, provide a needs-assessment for programs and other support that would serve this population. Factor analysis of the sorts resulted in three factors/views: dutiful caregivers new to caregiving, nurturing and prepared caregivers, and loving and fun caregiving relationship.

Keywords

Q methodology caregiving caregiver aging adult needs-assessment

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Determining the Various Perspectives of Caregivers of Aging Adults With Q Methodology

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