Adult children caregivers' experiences with online and in-person peer support

Abstract

BackgroundAdult children caregivers (ACCs) are increasingly caring for elderly parents, which can cause health declines Peer support—offered online and in person—can enhance caregiver well-being. To date, studies have largely focused on evaluating online interventions and therefore caregivers' personal experiences with web-based support are under-represented in the literature. Further, online and in-person support have been investigated independent of one another, limiting our understanding of how caregivers engage in and experience peer support across modalities. Research questions1) How do ACCs use online and in-person modalities to obtain support? 2) What type of support is exchanged within each modality? MethodsQualitative descriptive design. We conducted in-depth interviews with 15 ACCs. Data was thematically analyzed. FindingsACCs mobilized existing network members for support. ACCs pragmatically used a blend of modalities for peer support based on their complex needs. The nature of peer support that ACCs receive transcended the interaction modality. ConclusionDichotomizing support as either ‘online’ or ‘in-person’ may detract from our ability to understand how ACCs use multiple modalities to achieve their support goals. ACCs' approach to peer support was complex. This highlights the need for future interventions to emulate their naturally pragmatic and flexible support-seeking style.