Journal article
Unpaid caregivers’ process of collaborating with others during older adult hospital-to-home transitions: A grounded theory study
PloS one, Vol.19(11), e0310204
11/01/2024
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310204
PMCID: PMC11548721
PMID: 39514548
Abstract
Unpaid/family caregivers provide support critical to older adult hospital-to-home transitions, but lack time and preparation. There is limited evidence regarding important collaboration for caregivers during the transition. The objective was to examine caregivers’ process of collaborating with others, including other family members, healthcare professionals, and community, social, and professional networks, during older adult hospital-to-home transitions. This study utilized grounded theory methodology. One-on-one interviews were conducted with unpaid/family caregivers of an older adult during a hospital-to-home transition. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Participants (N = 16) relationship to the older adult included: partners (n = 8), friends (n = 4), children (n = 3), and siblings (n = 1). Most were female (n = 14) and living with the older adult (n = 10). A conceptual model was developed which illustrates participants’ process through 3 stages: 1) identifying and learning the caregiver role, 2) collaborating with others to provide care and support to the older adult, while supporting themselves, during the hospital-to-home transition, and 3) supporting the older adult’s progress in recovering independence or planning to provide long-term care and support. Participants described multiple approaches to collaborating with others: caring on own, caring in network, caring with healthcare professionals, and caring with social and professional networks. Implications include the need to recognize and promote utilization of care networks, as it may help address negative outcomes associated with caregiving. We also identified opportunities to further leverage caregivers’ social/professional networks and increase focus on caregiver needs in healthcare encounters.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Unpaid caregivers’ process of collaborating with others during older adult hospital-to-home transitions: A grounded theory study
- Creators
- Daniel Liebzeit - University of IowaSaida Jaboob - University of IowaSamantha Bjornson - University of IowaOlivia Geiger - University of IowaHarleah Buck - University of IowaSato Ashida - University of IowaNicole Werner - Indiana University Bloomington
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- PloS one, Vol.19(11), e0310204
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0310204
- PMID
- 39514548
- PMCID
- PMC11548721
- NLM abbreviation
- PLoS One
- ISSN
- 1932-6203
- eISSN
- 1932-6203
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Grant note
- Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award at the University of Iowa College of Nursing
This work was supported by the Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 11/01/2024
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Injury Prevention Research Center; Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984742654502771
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