"It just took the pressure off": The voices of Veterans' family caregivers in a participant-directed program. Issue 3 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Milliken, Aimee; Mahoney, Ellen K.; Mahoney, Kevin J.
• Is Part Of: Home health care services quarterly. Volume 35:Issue 3/4(2016)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Caregivers -- home and community based services -- participant direction -- Veterans; Home care services -- Periodicals; Home care services -- United States -- Periodicals; Home Care Services -- Periodicals; 362.14
• DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2016.1227010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-1424

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services Program (VD-HCBS) operates using a participant-direction approach, allowing Veterans to self-direct services. Only a small body of literature has explored the impact of these programs on caregivers. This study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers in VD-HCBS. Telephone focus groups and interviews were conducted with caregivers ( n = 23; 52.2% spouses; 8.7% male). Conventional content analysis revealed five categories: Coming home and staying home; Taking the pressure off; Providing security; Giving us time as a couple; and Importance of choice. Stories highlighted sources of stress and mechanisms behind stress relief and support.