Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Impact of kinship navigator program on rural kin caregiver wellbeing(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2024) Foluso, Ayomide Adefunke; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Brianna Routh; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.More than 2.6 million children live in kinship families without their parents. Kinship caregivers provide care for children whose parents are unable to care for them, yet often face significant challenges that can impact their wellbeing and the caregiving situation. In line with the passing of the Family First Prevention Services Act in 2018, Kinship Navigator Programs are required to submit for evaluation in the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse to seek federal reimbursement. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Montana Kinship Navigator Program in improving caregiver wellbeing through its intervention (Enhanced Case Management) compared to a service-as-usual control (Information and Referral only). The quasi- experimental design compared caregivers in the intervention group (n=59) to the control group (n=33) across measures of wellbeing, services accessed, and navigator assistance at case closure. Data was collected through surveys and program records. The preliminary findings support wider implementation of enhanced case management services. Analysis showed significantly higher wellbeing in the intervention group across domains of coping, enjoying life, and average wellbeing compared to controls. Navigator assistance was significantly higher for the intervention group and positively correlated with multiple wellbeing domains across all participants. Financial and health service accessed showed positive associations with improved health wellbeing across participants. Financial resources emerged as particularly important for improving wellbeing for rural kinship caregivers. White non-Hispanic caregivers were more likely to access more services and navigator support compared to Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, who in turn were more likely report higher stress. This demonstrates the need for training and culturally informed navigator support to promote equitable access. Implementing enhanced intervention could better address the complex needs of kinship families, particularly in underserved rural communities where resources are limited. MTKNP's recognition by the Clearinghouse and state legislators can result in a more sustainably funded program and positive wellbeing outcomes for kin caregivers and their kin children.Item The millennial generation's experiences and perceptions of caring for aging family(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2015) Koltz, Daniel Jay; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Dawn TarabochiaCurrent research data suggests an increase in the number of caregivers providing care for family members over the last 10 years (NAC, 2009). As the need for family caregivers increase, many in the millennial generation will need to provide care for aging family members. With a small number of millennials involved in the process of direct care for aging family members, questions remain on how this demographic is prepared to work with an aging America. The purpose of this study was to identify the millennial generation's experiences of family caregiving and what they perceive their caregiving role will be as their family member's age. Specific research questions include: What are the experiences of caregiving for aging family of individuals born in the millennial generation? What are the perceptions of those born in the millennial generation on providing care to an aging family member? The experiences and perceptions of caring for aging family members for five millennial college-aged students were explored using Van Manen's phenomenological methodology. Data collection and analysis revealed that millennials have an understanding of caregiving activities and have witnessed or participated in caregiving activities. Furthermore, millennials perceive their future role as their responsibility or obligation to provide care, however they have not communicated a plan with their family members.