Social Support and Stressors among VA Medical Foster Home Caregivers

J Aging Soc Policy. 2022 Sep 3;34(5):788-808. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2021.1927619. Epub 2021 May 28.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify sources of social support and stressors that facilitated or hindered caregivers in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Foster Home (MFH) program in performing their duties. We conducted phone interviews with 35 caregivers and found they relied on work-related, religious, and emotional social support. Caregivers' unmet needs included a lack of time to re-charge; affordable respite services; enough VA-paid relief services, adequate relief caregivers; and ability to attend church. To address these needs, VA leadership should make MFH caregivers eligible for VA Caregiver Support Programs, encourage reciprocal caregiving arrangements, and organize virtual church services.

Keywords: Caregiving; adult foster care; social support; veterans.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Social Support
  • Telephone
  • Veterans* / psychology