Navigating Paid Caregiving in Hospice During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Patricia, Franzosa Emily, Boafo Jonelle, McDonald Margaret, Moreines Laura, David Daniel, Aldridge Melissa
Primary Institution: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Hypothesis
How do families navigate paid caregiving services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Conclusion
Paid caregivers play a crucial role in supporting families during end-of-life care, but regulatory and policy challenges can hinder their effectiveness.
Supporting Evidence
- Paid caregivers were essential in helping families keep patients at home.
- Patients' increasing needs required more paid caregivers, which raised infection risks.
- Conflicting policies disrupted the care provided by aides.
- Restrictions on caregivers' scope of practice limited their ability to assist effectively.
Takeaway
This study shows that paid caregivers help families take care of loved ones at home, but there are many rules that make it hard for them to do their jobs well.
Methodology
The study analyzed care trajectories of patients using linked medical and hospice records and interviews with interdisciplinary team members.
Limitations
The study is limited to a specific health system in New York City and may not be generalizable to other settings.
Participant Demographics
Patients enrolled in hospice and their families during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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