Welfare Reform on the Web (July 2001): Care of the Elderly - Overseas

ATTITUDES TOWARD GOVERNMENT POLICIES THAT ASSIST INFORMAL CAREGIVERS: THE LINK BETWEEN PERSONAL TROUBLES AND PUBLIC ISSUES

M. Silverstein and T. M. Parrott

Research on Ageing, vol. 23, 2001, p. 349-374

Analysis uses national survey data to examine the preferences of Americans for public programmes that assist caregivers. Respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the following three policies: directly paying caregivers, granting tax credits to caregivers, and requiring that employers allow caregivers time off without pay. Although only one-third of respondents agreed with the idea of paying caregivers, more than 70% supported tax credits and almost 60% supported time off for caregivers. Multiple regression analysis showed that current caregivers more strongly support all three policies, even when demographic factors, resources and political orientation were controlled.