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“ It’s Like Juggling, Constantly Trying to Keep All Balls in the Air ”: A Qualitative Study of the Support Needs of Working Caregivers Taking Care of Older Adults

Author

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  • Eline E. Vos

    (Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands)

  • Simone R. de Bruin

    (Research Group Living Well with Dementia, Department of Health and Wellbeing, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Campus 2, P.O. Box 10090, 8000 GB Zwolle, The Netherlands)

  • Allard J. van der Beek

    (Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Karin I. Proper

    (Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
    Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Many informal caregivers of older adults combine their caregiving tasks with a paid job. Adequate support is important to enable them to combine paid work with caregiving, while maintaining their health and wellbeing. To date, however, knowledge about working caregivers’ support needs is fragmented. This study, therefore, aimed to obtain more insight into the support needs of working caregivers of older adults. We conducted six online semi-structured focus group interviews with in total 25 working caregivers of older adults living at home. Data were complemented with information from seven working caregivers participating in the study’s advisory board. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Six themes related to working caregivers’ needs were identified: (1) Recognition of caregivers, including the challenges they face; (2) Attention for caregivers’ health, wellbeing and ability to cope; (3) Opportunities to share care responsibilities; (4) Help with finding and arranging care and support; (5) Understanding and support from the work environment; (6) Technological support tailored to the needs and capacities of caregivers and older adults. To address these needs, working caregivers suggested several options in multiple domains of life (i.e., work, home and social life, care environment, personal health and wellbeing). To successfully support them, a multi-faceted effort, involving actors from multiple settings, is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Eline E. Vos & Simone R. de Bruin & Allard J. van der Beek & Karin I. Proper, 2021. "“ It’s Like Juggling, Constantly Trying to Keep All Balls in the Air ”: A Qualitative Study of the Support Needs of Working Caregivers Taking Care of Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5701-:d:562563
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen S. Lyons & Steven H. Zarit & Aline G. Sayer & Carol J. Whitlatch, 2002. "Caregiving as a Dyadic Process," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 57(3), pages 195-204.
    2. Marjolein I. Broese van Groenou & Alice Boer, 2016. "Providing informal care in a changing society," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 13(3), pages 271-279, September.
    3. Joseph E. Gaugler & Robert L. Kane & Robert Newcomer, 2007. "Resilience and Transitions From Dementia Caregiving," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 62(1), pages 38-44.
    4. Bauer, Jan Michael & Sousa-Poza, Alfonso, 2015. "Impacts of Informal Caregiving on Caregiver Employment, Health, and Family," IZA Discussion Papers 8851, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    1. Koji Kanda & Hirofumi Sakurazawa & Takahiko Yoshida, 2022. "International Comparison of Social Support Policies on Long-Term Care in Workplaces in Aging Societies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-15, March.

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