Linkages between informal and formal care-givers in home-care networks of frail older adults

Abstract

In ageing societies, policy makers aim for more contact between informal and formal care-givers as it may enhance the quality of care. So far, the linkage between formal and informal care-givers is generally studied from a one-sided or a single dyadic perspective, without taking into account that care networks of community-dwelling older adults often exist of multiple informal and formal care-givers. The current study examines discussion of care between all potential informal–formal care-giver dyads in a care network, and relates this to characteristics of the older care recipient, the care network and the care-givers. Seventy-four Dutch older care recipients provided information on all care-givers who helped with five different types of tasks; 410 care-givers reported on the contact between all care-givers identified. Multi-level logistic regression was conducted in 2,150 informal–formal care-giver dyads and revealed that in 26 per cent of all these dyads discussion on care occurred. This was more likely when both care-givers performed multiple types of tasks, the informal care-giver was residing with the care recipient, and contact within the formal and the informal sub-network was higher. To enhance discussion of care between informal and formal care-givers in care networks where no discussion occurs at all, home-care organisations may need to allocate formal care-givers who form a bridge with an extra-residential care-giver of care recipients living alone.

Mirror meetings with frail older people and multidisciplinary primary care teams: Process and impact analysis

“…36,44 Many studies have elaborated on the importance of involving ICs for frail older people. [45][46][47] Our study endorses these findings.…”

Formal and informal care for community‐dwelling frail elderly people over time: A comparison of integrated and usual care in the Netherlands

“…Informal caregivers may become more aware of their own role in the care process due to integrated working, for instance when discussing the division of care tasks with the case manager (Janse, Huijsman, de Kuyper, & Fabbricotti, ). Indeed, such explicit discussions of care activities have been argued to be essential to achieving a distribution of tasks that is more in line with the actual care situation (Jacobs et al., , ; Van Wieringen et al., ).…”

“…Ideally, a new configuration of tasks emerges that is more in accordance with the needs, abilities and preferences of the frail elderly and informal caregivers. This allows formal caregivers to shift their focus from filling gaps in informal care to supporting caregivers in performing their care tasks (Jacobs, Van Tilburg, Groenewegen, & Broese van Groenou, 2015;McAdam, 2008). Support may involve (temporary) changes in the amount or type of tasks of informal caregivers at risk of overburdening, for instance by relieving them of their most demanding care tasks in favour of light household work, minor personal care tasks or companionship (Béland et al, 2006;Wimo, Von Strauss, Nordberg, Sassi, & Johansson, 2002).…”

Does informal care impact utilisation of home-based formal care services among end-of-life patients? A decade of evidence from Ontario, Canada

“…Despite the extensive empirical literature, main knowledge gaps persist. Most studies on the relationship between two types of care conceptualise formal home care as one variable without making a distinction among different components of home care (Byrne, Goeree, Hiedemann, & Stern, 2009;Cohen, Miller, & Weinrobe, 2001;Jacobs, Tilburg, Groenewegen, & Broese Van Groenou, 2016;Litwin & Attias-Donfut, 2009;Nordberg et al, 2005;Swinkels et al, 2016). Some studies assessed the impact of informal care on different types of formal care, such as home healthcare, nursing home care, hospital nights, outpatient surgery, and physician care (Bolin et al, 2008;Van Houtven & Norton, 2004).…”