THE CHANGING CAREGIVING NETWORKS OF OLDER ADULTS

One of the dominant features of caregiving networks, their propensity to change over time, continues to be incompletely described and inadeq uately understood. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the comp lex patterns of change that shape the evolving caregiving networks of older adults. Using data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA), a transition matrix approach is used to describe the changes older adu lts experience in their caregiving arrangements over time. These careg iving networks are characterized by both stability and change. At any given time, most elders are able to live independently without the hel p of a caregiver. The caregiving network, once activated, appears to b e characterized by a great deal of change in care configurations. Fina lly, beyond a certain threshold of frailty, extensive care is required in either a community or an institutional setting. Variation in trans itions by age, gender, race, and place of residence are examined.