| This dissertation examines the caregiving relationship between older parents and their adult children with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. This caregiving relationship has become prominent after deinstitutionalization, and adults with mental illness are now being treated in their communities. When care is needed, often the older parents assume the role of caregivers. Others studies have focused solely on the older parents and their experiences. This study highlights the experiences of the family unit in terms of social support.;The main research method was a series of qualitative, semi-structured interviews with eight family units. The majority of the family units included the older parent(s), the adult child with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and a sibling(s) without schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A total of twenty-two interviews were conducted. Most of the research participants had some affiliation with the National Alliance for Mentally Ill (NAMI).;The results revealed a limited amount of reciprocity between the adult child with schizophrenia or schizoaffective and the parents and siblings. The adult child's illness seems to breakdown the reciprocity network. The older parents expressed limited rewards in their caregiving duties. The older parents conveyed concerns about the future care, in terms of finances and daily support, of their adult child with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The siblings communicated a range of willingness to assume care for their brother or sister as their parents age. |
