Long-distance caregiving: a systematic review of the literature.
There are an estimated 5-7 million long-distance caregivers (LDCs) in the United States, but little is known about this growing population. This study reviewed the literature on LDCs and examined 16 identified studies. Although studies defined LDCs differently, a composite description of who LDCs are and what they do is presented. LDCs make substantial contributions in terms of physical, financial, and social support. Distance complicates communication about care recipients' health and care needs, as well as the types of care that can be provided. Related to this, geographic separation can exacerbate care-related stressors. Implications for future research were also identified.
Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. jcagle@ssw.umaryland.edu
John G
JG
Cagle
Jean C
JC
Munn
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003144:Communication Barriers; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology