Affiliations: [a] Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands | [b] Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands | [c] Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Kirsten K.B. Peetoom, Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. E-mail:kirsten.peetoom@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Abstract: BACKGROUND: More care tasks are transferred to the social environment to
cope with an aging society. However, informal caregivers can become burdened
and interventions are needed to support them. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the perceived burden of
informal caregivers and how they currently cope with caregiver burden. In
addition, we explored their ideas about potential solutions to diminish
their burden, in order to define starting points to facilitate elderly
people's ability to live longer independently in their own homes. METHODS: Our mixed methods study consisted of a
paper-and-pencil-based survey (N= 30) followed by qualitative interviews
(N= 8). RESULTS: Main sources of burden: time-consuming and exhaustive
nature of caring, becoming totally absorbed by the caregiving situation, a
perceived lack of support, concerns about well-being and safety of care
recipients. Main solutions: living day by day, creating a strict time
schedule and clear task division, use of elderly daycare,
institutionalization, home adaptations, use of supportive homecare and
volunteers. CONCLUSION: Creating awareness of the added value of using
technology in informal care caregivers is needed in order to enable
caregivers to provide longer informal care to their relatives. They have to try the technological support opportunities in practice, and they need examples of applications and experience stories of peers.
Keywords: Caregiver burden, independently living elderly, informal care, mixed methods, user-centered design
