Balancing formal and informal care for older persons: how case managers respond.
This study examined how front-line home and community-care (H&CC) case managers view the role of informal caregivers, and the factors that contribute to H&CC managers' resource allocation decisions. The study research used two methods of data collection: (a) secondary analysis of the results from balance of care (BoC) simulations conducted in nine regions of Ontario, and (b) in-depth follow-up interviews with participating BoC case managers. Results suggest that case managers unanimously agree that the unit of care in the H&CC sector is not confined to the individual, as in acute care, but encompasses both the individual and the caregiver. We found, however, considerable variation in the mix and volume of H&CC services recommended by case managers. We conclude that variability in decision making may reflect the lack of regulations, best practices, and accountability guidelines in the H&CC sector.
Institute of Health Policy,Management and Evaluation,University of Toronto.
Allie
A
Peckham
Institute of Health Policy,Management and Evaluation,University of Toronto.
A Paul
AP
Williams
Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work,University of Toronto.
Sheila
S
Neysmith
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D019090:Case Management; D003657:Decision Making; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009864:Ontario; D005791:Patient Care; D040841:Resource Allocation