Patterns of Support Networks Used by Double Caregivers: Focusing on the Combination of Informal and Formal Support

Abstract

This paper examines the support network used by double caregivers whose childcare and elderly care periods overlap. Most of the previous studies on the structure of support networks for care have distinguished between childcare and elderly care, focused on informal support rather than formal support, and treated the use of each support source separately. In this paper, we focus on double caregivers who simultaneously provide both childcare and elderly care, using latent class analysis to understand the pattern of the support network in terms of the combination of support sources while taking into account both informal and formal support. As a result, the support networks used by double caregivers were divided into four types: public-centered, spouse-centered, family-centered, and acquaintance-centered. While support from spouse or family members is a stable source when childcare and elderly care overlap, there are gender differences in the use of support. In addition, there was a marked tendency to seek support from public institutions due to employment and heavy care burdens.