Older Adult Caregivers' Perspectives on Wound Care Resources: A Qualitative Study

• Published in: Research in gerontological nursing 2023-07, Vol.16 (4), p.194-201
• Main Authors: Swartzell, Kristen L, Fulton, Janet S, von Gaudecker, Jane R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Aged patients; Analysis; Care and treatment; Caregivers; Codes; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Health care; Interviews; Medical dressings; Medical equipment; Medical personnel; Medical supplies; Mental health; Older people; Qualitative research; Services; Wound healing; Wounds and injuries
• ISSN: 1940-4921; 1938-2464
• DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20230503-03

With an aging population, increasing numbers of older adults are assuming a caregiving role, including performing complex care procedures, such as wound care. Access to and use of resources are associated with better physical and mental health for caregivers. A thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with adult caregivers aged ≥65 years performing wound care identified seven resources supportive of the caregiver role, including: (a) access to expert guidance from health care professionals; (b) written instructions; (c) relationships with health care professionals for obtaining wound care supplies; (d) need for additional medical equipment; (e) financial resources; (f) coverage for caregiver personal time; and (g) select persons for caregiver social and emotional support. Given that older adults are increasingly cast into caregiver roles in the home setting, providing resources to sustain care recipients and their caregivers is critical. [ (4), 194-201.].