Facilitators and Barriers in Navigating Community and Health Care System Among Informal Caregivers of Older Adults
2024

Navigating Community and Health Care Systems for Caregivers of Older Adults

Sample size: 2733 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kim Boah, Wister Andrew, Mitchell Barbara, Li Lun, Kadowaki Laura

Primary Institution: Simon Fraser University

Hypothesis

What are the key factors affecting system navigation difficulties among informal caregivers of older adults?

Conclusion

The study found that social capital reduces navigation difficulties, while caregiving supports and high use of formal health services increase them.

Supporting Evidence

  • Caregivers with social capital/cohesion reported fewer navigation difficulties.
  • Caregivers with caregiving supports faced more navigation challenges.
  • Higher use of formal health services by care receivers increased navigation difficulties.

Takeaway

Caregivers who have strong social connections find it easier to help older adults get the care they need, while those who rely more on formal services face more challenges.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving 2018 using hierarchical logistic regression.

Participant Demographics

Informal caregivers whose primary care receivers were aged 65 or older.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3531

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