Volume 55 - Article 10 | Pages 325–356  

Financial strain among Mexican American adult child caregivers of the oldest old

By Anna Bokun, Jacqueline L. Angel, Flavia Cristina Drumond Andrade, Sunshine Rote, Philip Cantu

Abstract

Background: As more adults assume caregiving responsibilities for their aging parents, a key question emerges: Does coresidence increase financial strain for adult child caregivers?

Objective: To examine whether coresiding with an oldest-old parent (aged 80+) is associated with higher financial strain among adult child caregivers.

Methods: This study uses data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2010–2011), a population-based survey of Mexican Americans in five southwestern US states (N = 659). Logistic regression and propensity score–matched logistic models are used to examine the association between coresidence and caregiver financial strain, accounting for selection into coresidence.

Results: Coresiding caregivers had more than twice the odds of experiencing financial strain compared to non-coresiding caregivers (OR = 2.17 [95% CI: 1.22–3.82], p = 0.007). This relationship remained robust in the matched sample (OR = 2.02 [95% CI: 1.06–4.02], p = 0.038). Poor parental health independently increased the odds of caregiver financial strain in both the full (OR = 3.63 [95% CI: 1.38–12.5], p = 0.019) and the matched sample (OR = 2.20 [95% CI: 1.01–5.36], p = 0.061).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that coresidence often functions less as a financial buffer and more as a conduit for high-intensity care, thereby elevating caregiver financial strain. Policies aimed at promoting caregiver financial autonomy – including tax credits, paid family leave, and expanded home- and community-based services – should take into account the distinct vulnerabilities of coresiding caregivers.

Contribution: This study provides evidence that coresiding with an oldest-old parent more than doubles the odds of financial strain among Mexican American adult child caregivers, challenging the assumption that intergenerational coresidence functions primarily as an economic buffer for low-income families. The findings inform policies designed to support the growing population of families navigating population aging, long-term care infrastructure, and housing affordability constraints.

Author’s Affiliation

• Anna Bokun - New York City Department of City Planning, United States of America EMAIL
• Jacqueline L. Angel - University of Texas at Austin, United States of America EMAIL
• Flavia Cristina Drumond Andrade - University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, United States of America EMAIL
• Sunshine Rote - University of Louisville, United States of America EMAIL
• Philip Cantu - University of Texas Medical Branch, United States of America EMAIL

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