Caregiver Selection for Older Adults with Emerging Care Needs: The Role of Parent-Adult Child Relationships

This study explores how the relationship between aging parents and their adult children shapes the selection of caregivers once aging adults begin to require assistance. Specifically, it examines the roles of geographical proximity, contact frequency, and face-to-face interaction in determining whether care is provided by a spouse, an adult child, or an external caregiver. Drawing on data from the 8th (2020) and 9th (2022) waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), this study analyzed 277 aging adults who were independent in 2020 but began receiving assistance by 2022. The findings reveal that more frequent contact with adult children is associated with a greater likelihood that a spouse becomes the primary caregiver. In contrast, more frequent face-to-face interactions increase the probability that an adult child, rather than a spouse, assumes caregiving responsibilities. Notably, infrequent face-to-face contact substantially raises the likelihood of relying on external care providers. Although geographic proximity has a statistically notable impact on caregiving arrangements, its influence appears relatively weaker compared to that of contact frequency and face-to-face interaction. These findings underscore that emotional closeness and relational dynamics outweigh physical distance in the selection of caregivers. By highlighting the pivotal role of relationship quality, this study offers important implications for social policy and eldercare planning.