FINANCIAL COMPENSATION OR HOME HELP SERVICES - EXAMINING DIFFERENCES AMONG PROGRAM RECIPIENTS

Financial compensation for family members who provide informal care to elderly kin has frequently been discussed but rarely implemented in C anada. One exception is the Nova Scotia Home Life Support Program, whi ch financially compensates family members for the care of the elderly. This study explores differences among caregivers who receive formal s ervices, specifically, financial compensation or home help services. F inancially compensated caregivers tend to be younger females who live in non-urban areas and co-reside with the care receiver. In comparison to caregivers who receive home help services, these paid caregivers r eport a reduction in financial worry but have greater involvement in t he care of the elderly and higher levels of time dependence burden. Be fore implementing financial compensation policies, research which spec ifically investigates the effect of these programs on caregivers is ne eded.