Caregiving and Early Life Trauma: Exploring the Experiences of Family Caregivers to Aging Holocaust Survivors

Abstract

For older adults who have experienced early life trauma, the aging process can be particularly challenging as resources, abilities, and environments change. Although researchers have documented these challenges well, few studies have examined the experiences of family caregivers to older adults who have endured early life trauma. In this qualitative study, the researchers interviewed 17 family caregivers to Holocaust survivors. Content analysis revealed themes typical of caregiving, including stress, filial piety, and guilt; however, these themes appeared to be amplified by the early life trauma endured by the older adults. Caregivers were also reluctant to seek assistance, as they compared their own stress with the incomparable stress endured by the Holocaust survivors. The findings provide an understanding of the specific challenges faced by family caregivers to older adults who have experienced early life trauma and hold important implications for health care professionals who work with these groups.