A1 Journal article (refereed)
Community-dwelling older adults and their informal carers call for more attention to psychosocial needs : Interview study on unmet care needs in three European countries (2022)

Van Aerschot, L., Kadi, S., Rodrigues, R., Hrast, M. F., Hlebec, V., & Aaltonen, M. (2022). Community-dwelling older adults and their informal carers call for more attention to psychosocial needs : Interview study on unmet care needs in three European countries. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 101, Article 104672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2022.104672

JYU authors or editors

Van Aerschot, Lina

Publication details

All authors or editors: Van Aerschot, Lina; Kadi, Selma; Rodrigues, Ricardo; Hrast, Maša Filipovič; Hlebec, Valentina; Aaltonen, Mari

Journal or series: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

ISSN: 0167-4943

eISSN: 1872-6976

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 101

Article number: 104672

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2022.104672

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80167

Abstract

Background
Unmet care needs are usually defined in terms of receiving sufficient help in instrumental activities and activities of daily living. Research on unmet needs is mostly based on quantitative data. Older persons’ and informal carers’ views and experiences have received less attention.

Methods
In this paper, we rely on a definition of unmet needs which includes both unmet needs due to insufficient care and those situations where informal carers experience undue strain. Using theory-driven content analysis, we examine community-dwelling older adults’ and their informal carers’ experiences of unmet needs: what kind of unmet needs they have, why and in which ways these needs are left unmet and what would they want to do to improve the situation. The data consists of interviews gathered in Austria, Finland and Slovenia.

Results
Results of the analysis reveal that unmet needs are largely psychosocial in nature. The predominating task-oriented care systems often do not consider these as care needs. Using methods of qualitative content analysis, we conclude that care users’ unmet psychosocial needs are related to lacking a personal relationship with care workers; means to maintain or develop social contacts and pursue activities and interests; and adequate home care services or respite care. Excessive responsibilities are put on informal carers as they top up and fill in the insufficient care.

Conclusions
This study contributes to a broader understanding of unmet care needs: the relational aspects of care and the universal nature of psychosocial care needs should be addressed in care services.

Keywords: older people; caring for close relatives; informal carers; needs; psychosocial support; interview study

Free keywords: unmet needs; psychosocial needs; informal care

Fields of science: