Nonkin Carers’ Roles and Contributions to the Support of Older People Living Alone: An Analysis of Qualitative Data

Author:

Wosko Paulina1ORCID,Pfabigan Johanna1,Trukeschitz Birgit2,Reitinger Elisabeth3,Pichler Barbara3,Pleschberger Sabine1

Affiliation:

1. Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH) , Vienna , Austria

2. Research Institute for Economics of Aging, Vienna University of Economics and Business , Vienna , Austria

3. Department of Nursing Science, University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria

Abstract

Abstract Objectives In the Global North, the number of older people living alone who have little or no support from family members is increasing. However, little is known about older people living alone who have basic needs for support but do not have kin living nearby or a sustainable relationship to a relative they can rely on. Thus, this paper focuses on the role of nonkin carers and their contribution to the support arrangements of older people living alone. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 32 older people living alone aged between 67 and 99 (Ø 84.2 years) in Austria, 23 women, and 9 men. The interviews were analyzed by applying a coding strategy based on grounded theory. In addition, sociograms were created to illustrate relevant relations in each support arrangement. Results We identified and characterized 3 groups of nonkins involved in the support arrangements of older people living alone based on the origins of the relationships: (1) friends, (2) neighbors, and (3) acquaintances like members of various communities. The arrangements were classified according to the amount and quality of involvement of nonkin carers, namely manifold, scattered, and little nonkin involvement. Discussion Our study highlights the diversity of nonkin support in the support arrangements of older people living alone. This heterogeneity should be considered by policy-makers when promoting informal care and designing policy measures.

Funder

Austrian Science Fund

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Reference61 articles.

1. Receiving support when older: What makes it ok;Allen,2014

2. Older people living alone at home with terminal cancer;Aoun,2016

3. Gender, informal social support networks, and elderly urban African Americans;Barker,1998

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