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Kim B, Wister A, O'dea E, Mitchell BA, Li L, Kadowaki L. Roles and experiences of informal caregivers of older adults in community and healthcare system navigation: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077641. [PMID: 38070939 PMCID: PMC10729038 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Informal caregivers are playing a vital role in improving the degree to which older adults access community and healthcare systems in a more seamless and timely manner, thereby fulfilling their complex needs. It is critical to understand their experiences and perspectives while navigating these systems. This review aimed to identify and organise the research findings on the roles and experiences of informal caregivers of older adults while navigating community and healthcare systems. DESIGN This scoping review was undertaken according to the Joanna Briggs Institute's Reviewer manual. Four databases were used: AgeLine, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Medline to capture literature with a focus on informal caregivers whose care recipients are aged 55 years or older. Articles were included if they focused on examining the experience, perspective and/or role of informal caregivers in providing care for their older care recipients, while articles were excluded if they only focused on healthcare professionals or older adults. RESULTS A total of 24 studies were identified that met the study inclusion criteria. This review elucidated the roles of caregivers as a primary system navigator and as an advocate for older adults. Numerous challenges/barriers in system navigation were uncovered, such as lack of consistency in fragmented systems, as well as facilitators, including interface/coordination roles. Finally, recommendations for better system navigation such as caregiver engagement and integration of continuity of care services were identified. CONCLUSION The need to raise the visibility of the roles and experiences of informal caregivers in system navigation was highlighted. Further research needs to focus on implementing interventions for informal caregivers incorporating a care coordinator to fill the care gap within community and healthcare systems. This review has the potential to foster greater integration of community and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boah Kim
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Wister
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eireann O'dea
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barbara A Mitchell
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Gerontology & Sociology/Anthropology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lun Li
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laura Kadowaki
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Ramezani-Doroh V, Karimi F, Rangchian M, Hamidi Y. Monetary valuation of COVID-19 informal care: caregivers' willingness to pay and willingness to accept. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2023; 21:22. [PMID: 37013619 PMCID: PMC10069359 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-023-00437-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal care can reduce hospitalization frequency and time, elevate bed turnover, and increase the health systems' capacity. This type of care has shown meaningful value in managing many cases through the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed to identify determinants of monetary valuation of informal care and the burden of this care on the COVID-19 patients' caregivers. METHODS Through a cross-sectional phone survey from June to September 2021 in Sanandaj city, the west of Iran, COVID-19 patients and their caregivers (Each Group No. 425) were separately interviewed. A simple probabilistic sampling method was applied. Two questionnaires were developed and used after validation. Monetary valuation of informal caregivers was done using Willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA). Double hurdle regressions were used to determine related variables to WTP/WTA. R software was used for the data analysis. RESULTS The total mean (Standard Deviation) of WTP and WTA were $12.02(28.73), $10.30(15.43) USD. Most respondents put a zero value on informal care by WTA (243(57.18%) and WTP [263 (61.88%)]. Caregivers' Employment, and being spouse/child of the care recipient increased the probability of reporting a positive value for WTP (p-value < 0.0001, p-value = 0.011 respectively) and WTA (p-value = 0.004, p-value < 0.0001 respectively). An increase in the number of caring days decreased the probability of reporting positive WTA (p-value = 0.001) and increased the mean of lnWTP (p-value = 0.044). Perceived difficulty in doing indoor activities and perceived difficulty in doing outdoor activities decreased lnWTA mean (p-value = 0.002) and lnWTP mean (p-value = 0.043) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Increasing caregivers' self-efficacy and facilitating their involvement in the caring process could be facilitated through flexible work status, educational programs, and interventions on decreasing their burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajiheh Ramezani-Doroh
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Faride Karimi
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Rangchian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Yadolah Hamidi
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Spiers GF, Liddle J, Kunonga TP, Whitehead IO, Beyer F, Stow D, Welsh C, Ramsay SE, Craig D, Hanratty B. What are the consequences of caring for older people and what interventions are effective for supporting unpaid carers? A rapid review of systematic reviews. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046187. [PMID: 34588234 PMCID: PMC8483048 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and map evidence about the consequences of unpaid caring for all carers of older people, and effective interventions to support this carer population. DESIGN A rapid review of systematic reviews, focused on the consequences for carers of unpaid caring for older people, and interventions to support this heterogeneous group of carers. Reviews of carers of all ages were eligible, with any outcome measures relating to carers' health, and social and financial well-being. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PsycInfo and Epistemonikos (January 2000 to January 2020). Records were screened, and included systematic reviews were quality appraised. Summary data were extracted and a narrative synthesis produced. RESULTS Twelve systematic reviews reporting evidence about the consequences of caring for carers (n=6) and assessing the effectiveness of carer interventions (n=6) were included. The review evidence typically focused on mental health outcomes, with little information identified about carers' physical, social and financial well-being. Clear estimates of the prevalence and severity of carer outcomes, and how these differ between carers and non-carers, were absent. A range of interventions were identified, but there was no strong evidence of effectiveness. In some studies, the choice of outcome measure may underestimate the full impact of an intervention. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence fails to fully quantify the impacts that caring for older people has on carers' health and well-being. Information on social patterning of the consequences of caring is absent. Systematic measurement of a broad range of outcomes, with comparison to the general population, is needed to better understand the true consequences of caring. Classification of unpaid caring as a social determinant of health could be an effective lever to bring greater focus and support to this population. Further work is needed to develop and identify suitable interventions in order to support evidence-based policymaking and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma F Spiers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jennifer Liddle
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East & North Cumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Fiona Beyer
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Stow
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Welsh
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sheena E Ramsay
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dawn Craig
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East & North Cumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barbara Hanratty
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East & North Cumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Palacios J, Ramm A, Olivi A. Constraints that discourage participation in the labour market by female carers of older relatives in Santiago, Chile. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:e107-e115. [PMID: 33278307 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Providing care for older people who have support needs is mainly a familial and female responsibility in Chile. Despite Chile's development level, the participation of females in the workforce lags behind (at around 50%), and 72% of female carers of an older relative are not in the labour force. This paper explores the reasons why in Latin America adult children remain out of the labour force while caring for an older parent or parent-in-law who has support needs. It draws on 30 in-depth interviews of family carers from low- to high-income households. The interviews were carried out in Chile in 2017, and were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis to identify core themes related to the subjects' reasons for remaining out of the labour force. Four factors hinder the combination of paid work and caring for a parent or parent-in-law with support needs: (a) externalised care was too expensive; (b) finding non-precarious, flexible work was difficult; (c) their perception of femininity or womanhood conflicted with the idea of combining care and paid work; and (d) they experienced a lack of public and/or social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Palacios
- Escuela de Gobierno, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Millenium Nucleus for the Study of the Life Course and Vulnerability (MLIV), Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Ramm
- Departamento de Sociología, Universidad de Valparaiso (Chile), Millenium Nucleus for the Study of the Life Course and Vulnerability (MLIV), Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Alessandra Olivi
- Departamento de Sociología, Universidad de Valparaiso (Chile), Centro Interdisciplinario para el Desarrollo del Adulto Mayor - Gerópolis UV, Valparaiso, Chile
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Aguila E, López-Ortega M, Angst S. Do Income Supplemental Programs for Older Adults' Help Reduce Primary Caregiver Burden? Evidence from Mexico. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2020; 34:385-402. [PMID: 31165322 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-019-09374-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In countries such as Mexico without formal public long-term care policies, informal care becomes the main source of support for older adults. Alternative social programs, such as supplemental income programs, for older adults could alleviate caregiver burden, especially if supplemental income were to be used for paid care or to compensate non-paid family caregivers. This work is the first to analyze the effects of a supplemental income program for older adults on primary caregiver burden. To identify how such a program might affect caregiver burden, we analyze rich panel data on 433 adults 70 years and older in two communities, one receiving a supplemental income program and the other not, in Yucatan, Mexico. Data were collected in 2008 and 2009 among treatment and control groups before and 6 months after program introduction. We employ a difference-in-differences approach. In our sample, most care is provided by non-paid female caregivers. We find that individuals in both the treatment and control groups received fewer hours of care over time. The decrease was lower for older adults who received the supplemental income, but the difference with those who did not was not statistically significant. We also observe few changes on caregiving burden; even after program introduction, more than 98% of caregivers remained unpaid and the same primary caregiver remained. Altogether, our work suggests supplemental income programs have negligible effects on caregiving, making evident the urgent need for other strategies to support non-paid caregivers who bear most of the burden for old-age care in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Aguila
- Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, 650 Childs Way, RGL Hall 226, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Mariana López-Ortega
- Research Department, National Institute of Geriatrics, National Institutes of Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sean Angst
- Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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