"Keep dignity intact": exploring desires for quality long-term care among midlife women

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2013;56(8):693-708. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2013.840351. Epub 2013 Oct 11.

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide in-depth descriptions of preferences for receipt of long-term care among a small sample of information-rich cases. The participants in this study, women in late midlife caring for a parent or parent-in-law, expressed where they would prefer to receive care, who they would want to provide care, and personal traits that would be important in a caregiver. A major theme centered personal characteristics these women would want in a caregiver, traits such as empathy, sensitivity, and knowledgeable about elder care. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / psychology*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Women / psychology*