Objectives: The population of older adults is growing rapidly, creating high demand for the involvement of working family caregivers. This concurrent mixed-methods study sought to obtain information from working family caregivers regarding their perceptions of the usefulness of an online employee assistance support tool. Methods: Working family caregivers (n = 15) participated in a semi-structured focus group completing a demographic survey and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI). Results: Total MCSI score had a statistically significant positive relationship with hours of care provision per week and presented an inverse association with caregiver age. Caregiver age had a statistically significant inverse relationship with the perception of caregiving as confining. Qualitative data identified needs for family caregivers support in three major themes: knowledge, understanding, and connection. Discussion: This study highlights a myriad of caregiver burden experiences and the necessity of various supports for each caregiver’s unique situation beyond the traditional workplace polices.
Cite this paper
Gibbs, D. , Bilotta, J. , Bowens, C. , Dougherty, M. , Murphy, E. , Richardson, N. and Schneider-Adams, M. (2021). Working Family Caregivers’ Perception of Usefulness of an Online Employee Assistance Support Tool: A Pilot Study. Open Access Library Journal, 8, e7663. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1107663.
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