Empirical Research
Caregivers' Perceptions Managing Functional Needs Among Older Adults Receiving Post-Acute Home Health Care
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 2019;12(4):174–183
Cite this articlePublished Online:March 19, 2019https://doi.org/10.3928/19404921-20190319-01Cited by:18
Abstract
Caregivers play important roles in managing the physical functioning (PF) needs of older adults transitioning home after a hospitalization. Training and support of caregivers in the post-acute home health care (HHC) setting should incorporate caregivers' perspectives. To explore caregivers' experiences managing PF needs in the post-acute HHC setting, semi-structured telephone interviews of 20 caregivers were conducted. Conventional content analysis revealed patient-, caregiving task–, caregiver-, and home environment–related themes consistent with the Theory of Dependent Care. Caregivers highlighted the dynamics and contributors of PF needs for older patients in the post-acute HHC setting and depicted the enormity of caregiving tasks needed to manage older patients' PF needs. Caregivers also described their perceived roles and challenges in managing PF deficits, including a sense of isolation when they were the sole caregiver. Findings from this research can guide nursing efforts to target caregiver training and support during this critical care transition.
[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(4):174–183.]
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