Learning Objective #1: Examine a caregiver model useful across cultures.

Learning Objective #2: Integrate a global aging perspective with the caregiving phenomena.

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The purpose of this study was to develop a model for spousal dyadic caregiving useful across cultures. Spousal dyadic caregivers from rural Midwestern America (N= 28) and Native American caregivers from two different tribes (N=21) were assessed for common caregiver strengths. A model of caregiver strengths to empower at-home spousal caregivers of Alzheimer's and Dementia persons was developed through a path analytic approach that determined a goodness of fit statistic with a model that fitted the data (r squared, F test, p=.05). Significant paths were: P21 (.563) Compassion to Finding Meaning, P42 (.485) Finding Meaning to Sense of Coherence. Data were collected through a Heritage Strengths survey, Finding Meaning in Caregiving scale, Coping Inventory and Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence scale. Spousal dyads were assessed separately for outcomes. Connectedness to resources (both internal and external) was found to have a positive association with caregiver and care recipient (dyads) well-being. (r= .83, r=.87). There was a positive direct relationship between number of resources used successfully and caregiver and care recipient outcomes. The data revealed a useful model from varying cultures based on caregiving strengths in dyadic caregiving. Respect for the past or “Cultural compassion” was identified as a common strength.