Reducing the Physical Burden of Older Persons’ Household Caregivers: The Effect of Household Handrail Provision

Abstract

The household handrail is necessary for dependent older people to perform their daily living activities, improve caregiving competency, and reduce caregiver burden. This study aimed to explore physical burden levels and examine their association with handrail provision among caregivers in older people’s households in Phuttamonthon District, Thailand, in 2017. This study used the physical dimension of the Caregiver Burden Inventory to quantify the levels of physical burden among 254 caregivers in households with a dependent older person. It classified the studied households into three categories: no handrail, one handrail, and more than one handrail. The analysis employed the ordinal logistic model approach. The findings showed that the mean physical burden score was 5 ± 3.85, indicating a high burden. After adjusting for potential factors, the caregivers in older people’s households with one handrail were less likely to experience a high physical burden than those without a handrail (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.14–0.67). Nonetheless, the analysis found no significant differences in physical burden between caregivers of households with more than one handrail and those of households with no handrails. Having handrails in housing might enhance older people’s ability to adjust to disability and illness, ultimately reducing the physical care burden of caregivers. However, having the appropriate number of handrails in older people’s households should be considered.

Reducing the Burdens of Paid Caregivers of Older Adults by Using Assistive Technology: A Scoping Review

“…Fifteen articles were retained for analysis (Table 2). [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] Studies reported in the articles were conducted in several countries and employed a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies. Technologies examined in the articles were of 3 general types: physical or mobility aids, sensor and monitoring systems, and socialization enhancement technologies.…”

“…While the body of literature is not extensive enough to evaluate efficacy, it does provide a starting point for understanding how several types of assistive technology impact paid caregivers working with older adults. Articles consistently reported tangible benefits that physical aids, including grab bars and handrails, 34,36 bidet seats, 35 and transfer devices, 32,33 provided in reducing physical strain associated with caregiving tasks. These devices also helped paid caregivers complete their tasks more efficiently and decreased anxiety about safety.…”

“…The literature was methodologically diverse. Eight articles (54%) described quantitative approaches, [32][33][34]38,39,41,43,46 5 (33%) described qualitative study designs, 36,37,40,42,44 and 2 (13%) described mixed-method strategies. 35,45 Most quantitative studies employed surveys or questionnaires to assess emotional or physical caregiver burdens.…”

Older Sarawakian Socioeconomic Determinants by Sex Disaggregation and Poverty Status

“…This could be due to many younger generations had migrated to urban areas (Ahmad & Ismail, 2014). The increasing number of older people will have an impact on the burden of aged care services to children or sandwich households (Phetsitong & Vapattanawong, 2022;Knickman & Snell, 2002), and to the government.…”

“…Despite the gains of a better life wellbeing, the problem of poverty in old age remains a worrisome issue. This is because poverty and income inequality in old age cause a person to experience failure due to considerations early in life (Phetsitong & Vapattanawong, 2022;Knickman & Snell, 2002). This can result in them being forced to live without adequate basic needs for a long period of time.…”