Valued and received forms of support among Swedish working carers of older people: A descriptive study with focus on ICT-mediated support

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Working family carers are an important resource for the care of older people but can experience negative pressures without support. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the perceived value of forms of support and the level of receipt of valued forms of support among Swedish working carers, with a focus on information and communication technology (ICT)-mediated support. METHODS: A convenience sample (N= 129) of working carers caring for an older (⩾ 65 years) relative completed a web-based questionnaire that addressed: caring characteristics; work-care conflict; and valued and received forms of support. RESULTS: Overall non-ICT forms of support were the most highly valued, while receipt of valued support was low: on average only 16.9% of participants who valued ICT-mediated forms of support received such support, while the figure was only slightly higher (23.4%) for non-ICT forms of support. Higher levels of work-care conflict were associated with higher perceived value of support for 13 out of fourteen forms of support. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that ICT-mediated and non-ICT forms of support should be regarded as complementary, while the low level of receipt of valued forms of support could indicate high levels of unmet need in working carers. Implications for further research and policy on working carers are considered.