THE FORDHAM LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVING (LDC) STUDY: RECRUITMENT EXPERIENCES AND SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

This paper presents recruitment experiences and sample information from the Fordham LDC Study (N=286). We initially planned to recruit LDCs from primary contacts of elders receiving residential or home care services. However, low recruitment rates lead us to research matching services, list serves, and participant and personal referrals. As a result, 46% of the sample were recruited from service agencies and 54% from non-affiliated sources. However, among the latter group, 27% of the elders were in residential care, and of those living at home, 38% were receiving home care services. LDCs were typical in being 72% women; while we found our LDCs to be highly educated (74% with college or more) and somewhat younger (mean = 57 years). While 72% were caring for parents, 28% were caring for more distant relatives and friends, suggesting that for many, LDCs step in when proximate and/or closer relatives are not available.