The millennial generation's experiences and perceptions of caring for aging family

Abstract

Current 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.