Supportive strategies for men who perform a care role: an occupational perspective

Abstract

Background/aims Health and social care practitioners often work alongside caregivers. This study aimed to consider commonality in the experience of male caregiving using secondary analysis of research related to fathers of an adult child with intellectual disability and to older widowers. Methods Secondary analysis of findings arising from two qualitative studies of men who have experience of a caregiving role (fathers of an adult child with intellectual disability and older widowers) was applied using a triangulation approach to illuminate, develop and enrich inter-study findings. Results Overarching themes across the two studies included ‘aspects of a care role’ and ‘supportive mechanisms’. The findings demonstrate that men from these specific groups are actively involved in care and that there are varied aspects to a care role. Factors that support men include the provision of appropriate and timely information, time spent pursuing leisure activities and support from family, friends and individualised services. Conclusions There are multiple aspects involved in a care role and the provision of care has positive and negative impacts on men. If service providers are aware of support strategies that are useful to male carers, this may support the health and wellbeing of both the carer and the person they support.