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Ageing Int (2010) 35:293310
DOI 10.1007/s12126-010-9062-3
Linda K. Bledsoe & Sharon E. Moore &
Wanda Lott Collins
Published online: 31 August 2010# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010
Abstract A comprehensive and evaluative review of empirical research published between 2000 and 2010 specific to long distance caregiving is provided to identify what is known about this subgroup of caregivers and to identify gaps in knowledge. We searched peer-reviewed journals included in the following databases: Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), PROQuest Direct, Social Work Abstracts, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsychInfo. Searches were restricted to English language publications between 2000 and 2010. Search terms included: review + caregiving + dementia, meta-analyses + caregiving + dementia, caregiving + dementia + not institutional, informal + caregiving, family + caregiving, caregiving + technology. Any searches including the term dementia were repeated without that term. These same searches were repeated with the term distance added to each. Empirical research specific to long distance caregiving is reviewed in detail. A brief review is provided of other closely related research. Long distance caregivers report being heavily involved in the care of their family member, regardless of distance and surprisingly, are often the only or primary caregiver. The specific needs for future research to inform best practice that goes beyond description of this important subgroup of caregivers is discussed.
Keywords Long distance caregiving . Review . Dementia . Older persons . Methodological issues
While a great deal has been written on many aspects of caregiving for older persons, very little empirical research has been published specific to informal care provided by families to its elderly relatives who are living at a great geographic distance from
L. K. Bledsoe (*) : S. E. Moore : W. L. Collins
Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292 e-mail: [email protected]
S. E. Mooree-mail: [email protected]
W. L. Collinse-mail: [email protected]
Long Distance Caregiving: An Evaluative Review of the Literature
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the caregiver. The number of families impacted by the need for long distance caregiving is substantial and is growing. The National Council on the Aging (1997) estimated that approximately 7 million persons were providing care for relatives who were living many miles away and projected that this number would double in 15 years.