Multigenerational Households of Caregiving Families

Data were collected from 54 primary caregivers, their husbands, and adult children who were members of multigenerational households that included a disabled person over age 65. Household characteristics were examined in relationship to perceptions of household space, burden, and satisfaction. Household characteristics did not predict either burden or satisfaction. Household conversion decreased perceptions of household space for women and for their husbands. In addition, for husbands, the more time an elder spent in shared living space, the more negative the perceptions of household space. For teenage children in the household, sharing amenities with elders resulted in more negative perceptions of household space. Results are interpreted in terms of caregiving stress and suggestions are made for home adaptations.