INSTITUTIONALIZATION - A CONTINUATION OF FAMILY CARE

It is often assumed that with institutionalization comes an end to fam ily caregiving. The goal of this study is to show that family caregivi ng continues even after institutionalization of the care recipient. Th e data come from 81 families who institutionalized their elders. The f indings indicate that families remain involved in the care of the elde r after institutionalization. although to a lesser degree and in diffe rent ways. involvement in personal care tasks is reduced not terminate d; involvement in the specialized needs of the elder; such as their fi nancial and legal concerns, continues, along with the new role of advo cacy. The effects of caregiving are still felt by the primary caregive r, as are the effects of institutionalizing the care recipient.