Document Type
Article
Abstract
This article examines the experiences of African American women who are caring for a parent with heart failure. Seven adult daughter caregivers completed in-depth, qualitative interviews, and a phenomenological approach was used for data analysis. Results suggest the presence of caregiving stressors, including heart failure symptoms and comorbidity, caregiving duties, social–emotional stressors, and distrust of the health system. Relevant coping strategies included valuing the caregiving role, coordinating care with siblings, taking charge, and spirituality. Social workers can play a critical role in supporting and advocating for caregivers of persons with heart failure, helping them to cope with stressors associated with advanced illness, connecting families with culturally acceptable services, and facilitating communication between families and health care providers.
Disciplines
Cardiovascular Diseases | Clinical and Medical Social Work | Social Work
Recommended Citation
Thornton, N. & Hopp, F.P. (2011). “So I just took over”: African American daughters caregiving for parents with heart failure. Families in Society 92(2): 211-217. DOI: 10.1606/1044-3894.4103
Included in
Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Social Work Commons
Comments
[Publisher Statement]: This article is © 2011 Alliance for Children and Families; archived here in accordance with publisher policies.