Intergenerational caring: a systematic literature review on young and young adult caregivers of older people

Abstract

Background The theme of young family caregivers of older relatives is still partially uncovered, although the phenomenon is increasing worldwide. This Systematic Literature Review discusses methodological and content issues of ten articles covering this topic, in order to contribute to increase the knowledge and provide suggestions for designing effective support services for adolescent young caregivers. To this purpose, the findings of this review are framed within the caregiving stress appraisal model (renamed CSA model) elaborated by Yates’ and collegues, in order to highlight differences between young caregivers and the older ones. Methods Multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest - Psychology Database, CINAHL Complete - EBSCOHost were used to carry out a systematic review of the literature. Additional references were retrieved from experts contacted and research knowledge. The selected articles underwent both methodological appraisal and contents analysis: for every article an appraisal score was calculated and themes and sub-themes were identified. Results Out of the ten included studies three were mixed methods, six qualitative and one quantitative. Nine reached a high quality methodological score and one medium. Four main themes emerged from the content analysis: aspects of the caregiving relationship; effects of caregiving; coping strategies; recommendations for services, policy and research. Conclusions Selected studies explored practical features of the relationship between young caregivers and older family members (tasks performed, motivations, coping strategies) and highlighted both positive and negative outcomes on young people’s everyday life condition and future development. Nevertheless, these evidences were often limited to small samples that did not allow to make generalizations. More studies are needed including large samples in order to deepen the different aspects of caregiving and design tailored support services.

Associations between young informal caring and mental health: a prospective observational study using augmented inverse probability weighting

“…17 Overall however, there has been little work done to quantitatively examine the mental health impact of caring on young people and this lack of quantitative work among young carers using large samples has been recognised in a recent review. 18 Furthermore, most studies of mental health among young carers have used single or two item measures of mental health, and only a minority have used validated measures. In addition to this, there is a lack of quantitative research of young informal carers in Australia.…”

Profile and needs of primary informal caregivers of older patients in Belgian geriatric day hospitals: a multicentric cross-sectional study

“…A better understanding of their needs is a priority, as defined by the World Health Organization [8]. Recent reviews showed that unmet needs of PIC have to be taken into account in a proactive approach of care planning from health care professionals, and that PIC are often not integrated enough in the health care system [9][10][11]. In 2011, the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre analyzed thirty forms of non-pharmaceutical therapy for people with dementia.…”

A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Care Arrangements of Older People with Limited Physical Abilities Living Alone in Italy

“…The literature confirms that in Italy the family remains the strongest provider of care, especially for older people with limited physical functionalities and disabilities, and almost always represents the first choice for obtaining support, especially when compared to the alternatives of scarce public home care and residential services [ 26 ]. Very strong intergenerational ties, therefore, persist at the basis of informal caregiving towards older people, with social and cultural norms that establish family responsibilities [ 92 , 93 , 94 ].…”