Abstract
The overall aim of this thesis is to explore the experiences and reasons that shape social participation of older people whilst caring for an older person. The relationship between informal caring for older people and social participation remains relatively under- examined, particularly among older carers. The thesis provides a focus on the social participation of older people caring for other older people to enhance understanding of this population group and provide suggestions for policy and practice to further support them.Through an international systematic review (chapter two) and an empirical, qualitative study of local older, informal carers (chapters three and four) the phenomenon is framed in three layers of influence (personal, community and societal). This aims to move the research agenda towards an integrated approach beyond the personal towards the societal. The thesis contributes to several theories by adding nuances from a caring perspective; provides insights that older, informal carers of older people can participate socially if they are enabled by supportive networks including family, friends, neighbours, groups, services and policies; suggests social interactions which are short (less than two hours) can be beneficial to older, informal carers. The term ‘burden’ is often used to describe the work of carers which could be replaced by the term ‘care-load’ to better reflect carers’ views (chapter five). The unique determinants of social participation for older carers are the selection of key activities, stigma, increased likelihood of poor health of the older carer, and potentially, less interest as carers may have stoic acceptance of their changed circumstances and opportunities at the particular stage of their life.
Conclusions highlight the support needs of older people to enable social participation and the role of practitioners such as across-agency skill development to reduce stigma and recognise different needs. The role of policy makers in enabling this by addressing older carer’s issues across policies rather than in a silo is considered.
| Date of Award | 16 Dec 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisor | Amy Drahota-Towns (Supervisor) |