Balancing Formal and Informal Care for Older Persons: How Case Managers Respond

Abstract

This study examined how front-line home and community-care (H&CC) case managers view the role of informal caregivers, and the factors that contribute to H&CC managers' resource allocation decisions. The study research used two methods of data collection: (a) secondary analysis of the results from balance of care (BoC) simulations conducted in nine regions of Ontario, and (b) in-depth follow-up interviews with participating BoC case managers. Results suggest that case managers unanimously agree that the unit of care in the H&CC sector is not confined to the individual, as in acute care, but encompasses both the individual and the caregiver. We found, however, considerable variation in the mix and volume of H&CC services recommended by case managers. We conclude that variability in decision making may reflect the lack of regulations, best practices, and accountability guidelines in the H&CC sector.

The care capacity goals of family carers and the role of technology in achieving them

“…While FCs derive satisfaction from their work and strengthened bonds with care receivers, the negative consequences of caregiving are well-documented [24,25] and include truncated social networks [23], reduced or limited labour force participation [26], and poorer physical [27] and mental health [21,28,29]. With one-third of FCs in a recent study spending an average of 20 h a week caregiving [30], it is perhaps unsurprising that social engagement and paid labour force participation suffer as the risk of physical and mental health problems increases [30,31]. Evidence suggests that the majority of employed FCs experience difficulty juggling their paid work and caregiving responsibilities [12,32] with negative impacts on their ability to sleep, their productivity at work and their peace of mind concerning care receivers [33][34][35].…”

Exploring the collaboration between formal and informal care from the professional perspective-A thematic synthesis

“…They were mostly seen as being able to do "dirty hands-on work that is easily learned" (Ward-Griffin, 2001, p. 70), keeping clients socially connected, helping with activities of daily living (ADLs), and providing peace of mind for the client (Peckham, Williams, & Neysmith, 2014). Additionally, some professionals' mention that informal caregivers were said to play a vital role in keeping older persons in the community (Peckham et al, 2014). Walker and Dewar (2001) argued that the quality of care given to the client increased when the informal caregiver was involved.…”

La trajectoire des services sociaux et de santé d’aînés atteints d’une démence vivant en contexte francophone minoritaire : un engagement de multiples piliers durant une navigation complexe

“…De plus, Vu, et collab. (2014) (Guberman, 2010;Carpentier, et collab., 2010;Peckham et Williams, 2014), les proches aidantes ou aidants doivent être reconnus comme des partenaires de soins et de services et leurs besoins doivent aussi être pris en compte en cours de navigation. Ainsi, les proches aidantes ou aidants doivent être mieux outillés et avoir accès aux soutiens nécessaires pour mieux accompagner l'aîné durant la progression de sa maladie, et plus particulièrement au cours de son maintien dans la communauté (The Change Foundation, 2011;Lopez-Hartmann, et collab., 2012;ACASCO, 2013;Paquet, 2014).…”

“…Selon nous, l'expérience des aînés décrite dans notre étude n'est qu'un aperçu, donc incomplet, de ce que vivent d'autres personnes qui n'ont pas accès à des aidantes ou aidants, ce qui, ajouté à leurs pertes cognitives, les rend encore plus vulnérables (The Change Foundation, 2012;Peckham et Williams, 2014). Comme l'expliquent Vu, et collab.…”