Home as a place of caring and wellbeing? A qualitative study of informal carers and caring networks lived experiences of providing in-home end-of-life care. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horsfall, Debbie; Leonard, Rosemary; Rosenberg, John P.; Noonan, Kerrie
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 46(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Caring -- Home death -- Wellbeing -- Informal networks; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Although the burden of caring is well described, the value of home as a potential place of wellbeing and support for informal caring networks when providing end-of-life care is not well recognised. Interviews and focus groups with 127 primary carers and members of informal care networks revealed their collaborative stories about caring for a dying person at home. Four themes emerged from the data: home as a place of comfort and belonging; places of social connection and collaborative caring; places of connection to nature and the non-human; places of achievement and triumph. When support is available, nurturing carer wellbeing may be best achieved at home. Highlights: Home is central to a caring networks formation and function in end-of-life care. A primary carer's ability to sustain caring can be supported when caring is at home. Maintaining identity, a sense of belonging and connections are central to wellbeing. Place is crucial to maintaining identities and connections. Nurturing carer wellbeing may be best achieved at home.