Characteristics of American Indian and Alaska native adult caregivers, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2000.

OBJECTIVES We compared characteristics of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adult caregivers (age > or = 18 years) who were caring for an older adult (age > or = 60 years) to those of other ethnic groups. METHODS Participants (N=20,996) were from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Caregivers provided regular care or assistance during the past month to a family member or friend who was > or = 60 years of age. In addition, participants were asked to indicate whom they would call to arrange short- or long-term care in the home for elderly relatives or friends who were no longer able to care for themselves. RESULTS A total of 16.4% of adults were caregivers to a person who was > or = 60. AI/AN were significantly more likely to report being caregivers than were people who were of Asian descent. Compared to AI/AN caregivers, Hispanic caregivers indicated that if a friend or relative needed short- or long-term care, they were more likely to provide care themselves (29.1% vs 46.6%) and that they were less likely to indicate that they would contact a professional resource (14.5% vs 25.2%). CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers provide a valuable service in the United States, particularly to chronically ill or disabled older adults. National, state, and local surveys should regularly collect information on caregiving.