A1 Journal article (refereed)
People with memory illnesses and their spouses as actors in the hybrid care model (2023)
Jolanki, O., Eskola, P., & Aaltonen, M. (2023). People with memory illnesses and their spouses as actors in the hybrid care model. Journal of Family Research, 35, 326-344. https://doi.org/10.20377/jfr-892
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Jolanki, Outi; Eskola, Päivi; Aaltonen, Mari
Journal or series: Journal of Family Research
eISSN: 2699-2337
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 27/03/2023
Volume: 35
Pages range: 326-344
Publisher: University of Bamberg Press
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20377/jfr-892
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86697
Abstract
Background: Family care has traditionally played an important role in elder care in Finland. Current policy goals will further increase the importance of family care, yet research on how people with memory illnesses and their spouses perceive care arrangements is scarce.
Method: The study drew from theory of relational agency and positioning theory. The data came from semi-structured, in-depth interviews (10) of home-dwelling people diagnosed with a memory illness and their spouses. The interviewees’ age varied from 62 to 88. The analysis focused on the participants’ self-descriptions and descriptions of their experiences and actions in relation to informal and formal care arrangements.
Results: The participants with a memory illness positioned themselves together with their spouses as a couple, as satisfied service recipients, as active and knowledgeable service users, or even as consumers who critically evaluated social and health care services. People with memory illnesses are capable of expressing their self-reflexive agentic self and adopting different positions to that of a person with dementia.
Conclusion: There is need to better acknowledge agency of people with memory illnesses and to develop different data collection and analysis methods that enable them to convey their views.
Keywords: people with memory disorders; dementia; care for the elderly; home care; caring for close relatives; informal carers; human agency
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care
- Kröger, Teppo
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 1