Keywords

barriers, constraints, family caregivers, leisure travel

 

Authors

  1. Bedini, Leandra A. PhD, CTRS, LRT
  2. Gladwell, Nancy J. ReD, CPRP

Abstract

Research demonstrates the health consequences of caregiving as well as the health benefits of leisure pursuits. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the barriers to leisure travel for family caregivers. Participants comprised 105 family caregivers in North Carolina who completed an 86-item questionnaire. Factor analysis generated 5 primary factors (Environment, Personal, Service Provision, Financial, and Shared Leisure) that represented primary constraints to leisure travel for this population. Additional analysis indicated that these caregivers greatly missed their leisure, which they gave up as a result of caregiving. Implications for practice and research exist that could address the negotiation of these barriers.