“Caregiving is teamwork…” Information sharing in home care for older adults with disabilities living in the community

Abstract

AimWe examined information sharing between direct care workers, family caregivers, and clinicians involved in the care of older adults with disabilities. MethodsSemi-structured interviews with N = 11 representatives of home care agencies (“residential service agencies” in Maryland). ResultsWork system and process characteristics relevant to information sharing included: (1) using electronic management systems and patient portals to communicate within agencies and with clinicians, (2) implementing tools to gather information about client goals, preferences, and routines, and (3) relying on family members for information about clients’ needs. Participants did not report differences in dementia-related care coordination; however, dementia-related adaptations involved additional considerations for navigating relationships with family and standardizing processes to communicate with clinicians. ConclusionFindings highlight care demands experienced by direct care workers and support calls to better coordinate information sharing between interdisciplinary care teams.