Issues of elderly caregiving: an exploratory study of the caregivers

Fagan, Carol(Carol Patricia) (1990) Issues of elderly caregiving: an exploratory study of the caregivers. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This is an exploratory study of caregivers who provide home care to elderly relatives aged 75 years or more, who require 24 hour supervision and whose only alternate care option is institutionalization. -- The study addresses those factors that make home care possible for the caregiver; the usefulness of formal services presently in place; the impact on the lifestyle of the caregiver; and the relationship between enjoyment/satisfaction and the demands of the caregiving role. -- A questionnaire was devised and administered by the researcher to each of the 29 respondents in a personal interview. -- The caregivers reported that family support, their own commitment and formal services were crucial factors in their continuing ability to provide home care. -- The respondents in this study are in receipt of an average of four hours of formal services weekly, primarily in the area of personal care. Over 90% rated these services as essential. The results of thin study have shown that the majority of the caregivers do not enjoy their role but derive satisfaction in care provision. Their lack of enjoyment is attributed to the experiencing of a high level of frustration, aggravation and anxiety almost daily. In addition, the caregivers are unable to take a vacation, socialize outside the home, entertain at home, sleep soundly at night and have very little privacy. Satisfaction appears to be related to their own personal sense of responsibility and commitment to the care recipient. -- The results of this study also indicate a descrepency with regard to the issue of family support. Family visits, while relatively frequent, were not seen to be useful by the respondents. The issue of family dynamics and its impact on the caregiving role is a subject that needs to be addressed by future research.

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