ABSTRACT

As policymakers globally recognize aging in place as the preferred option for most adults, there is a growing need to supplement family or informal caregiving for frail older adults with formal homecare services, particularly for those who require 24/7 care due to significant physical and/or cognitive impairment. The core objective of this qualitative study was to explore family members’ experiences in employing live-in care workers, particularly the nature of their engagement and the quality of their relationships with these care workers. Our analysis of semi-structured interviews with 35 family caregivers revealed four themes: 1) challenges in acquiring support and developing dependency; 2) negotiation of roles, responsibilities, and moral dilemmas; 3) shifting emotions between trust and suspicion; and 4) role confusion, expectations, and disappointments. The study suggests that families might benefit from formal guidance regarding fostering and maintaining positive relationships in the homecare environment. This paper provides nuanced knowledge that may inform the development of such interventions.

摘要

随着全球政策制定者认识到居家养老是大多数成年人的首选，越来越需要通过正规的家庭护理服务来补充体弱老年人的家庭或非正式护理，特别是对于那些因严重身体和/或身体原因而需要 24/7 护理的人或认知障碍。这项定性研究的核心目标是探讨家庭成员雇用住家护理人员的经验，特别是他们参与的性质以及他们与这些护理人员的关系质量。我们对 35 名家庭照顾者进行半结构化访谈的分析揭示了四个主题：1）获得支持和发展依赖方面的挑战；2）角色、责任和道德困境的协商；3）在信任和怀疑之间转换情绪；4）角色困惑、期望和失望。该研究表明，家庭可能会受益于有关在家庭护理环境中培养和维持积极关系的正式指导。本文提供了可能为此类干预措施的发展提供信息的细致知识。