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Becoming an inadvertent home care user: The transition for cohabitating partners

Published Date: 16.9.2024

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Theme: Service systems

Sub-theme: Carer support services

Carer burden Carer support caregiver adaptation International publication

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Service systems

Sub-theme: Carer support services

Go to Publication Carer burden Carer support caregiver adaptation International publication

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Becoming an inadvertent home care user: The transition for cohabitating partners

Published Date: 16.9.2024

  • Author/ Authors

    Håkan Jönson, Tove Harnett

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Harnett, T., & Jönson, H. (2024). Becoming an inadvertent home care user: The transition for cohabitating partners. International Journal of Social Welfare. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12703

Long Summary

This study explores how the lives of cohabiting partners are affected by home care services and the strategies they use to cope with the presence of care workers in their homes. As many Western countries, including Sweden, shift from nursing homes to home care, more older adults with significant care needs remain at home longer.
This Study reveals that the introduction of home care not only impacts the care recipient but also significantly alters the daily lives of their partners. Respondents described feelings of loss of control over their homes and routines, as well as the need to adapt to the schedules and presence of care staff. Partners also adopted new roles, ranging from reluctant hosts to forming friendships with staff. Using a social life course approach, the study highlights the challenges cohabiting partners face, such as privacy concerns, managing numerous visitors, and acting as mediators for new staff.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • The introduction of home care services can significantly alter the daily routines for family carers, home environment, and sense of control for cohabiting partners. It’s important for carers to acknowledge that adjusting to the presence of care workers may take time.
  • Carers may need to adapt to new roles and routines, balancing personal privacy with the schedules of care staff.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • This Study recommends that care providers inform family carer early about the care process and offer support for developing coping strategies.
  • The study also emphasises the need for care systems to better support cohabiting partners throughout the entire care process, recognising the relational aspect of home care and its long-term impacts.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.