Contribution of Secondary Caregivers to Post-Acute Home Care for Elderly Patients

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of secondary caregivers to the elderly patients' use of informal services and use of formal services, and the adequacy of care provided to the elderly patients in the period following acute hospitalization. A sample of 149 elderly patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) were interviewed at their home two weeks after their hospital discharge. Nearly three quarters of the elderly patients had one or more secondary care-givers. Findings from ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses indicate that the involvement of secondary caregivers was not significantly related to elderly patients' use of informal services, formal services, or the adequacy of care. These findings may be relevant to the practice of discharge planners by suggesting that the involvement of secondary caregivers may not reduce elderly patients' need for informal services and/or formal services. Furthermore, the involvement of secondary caregivers may not improve the adequacy of care provided to the elderly patients.