title: An examination of family caregiver experiences during care transitions of older adults.
abstract: This study explored informal family caregiver experiences in supporting care transitions between hospital and home for medically complex older adults. Using a qualitative, grounded-theory approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with community and resource case managers, as well as with informal caregivers of older hip-fracture and stroke patients, and of those recovering from hip replacement surgery. Six properties characterizing caregiver needs in successfully transitioning care between hospital and home were integrated into a theory addressing both a transitional care timeline and the emotional journey. The six properties were (1) assessment of unique family situation; (2) practical information, education, and training; (3) involvement in planning process; (4) agreement between formal and informal caregivers; (5) time to make arrangements in personal life; and (6) emotional readiness. This work will support research and clinical efforts to develop more well-informed and relevant interventions to most appropriately support patients and families during transitional care.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems,University of Waterloo,Ontario.
authors.forename: Justine L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Giosa
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems,University of Waterloo,Ontario.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stolee
authors.affiliation: Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies,University of Waterloo,Ontario.
authors.forename: Sherry L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Dupuis
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems,University of Waterloo,Ontario.
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Mock
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems,University of Waterloo,Ontario.
authors.forename: Selena M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Santi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000451:nursing*; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing*