Coping target checklist for home-based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers

Public Health Nurs. 2024 May-Jun;41(3):383-391. doi: 10.1111/phn.13282. Epub 2024 Feb 4.

Abstract

Background: The substantial rise in the population of older adults living with disabilities is a prominent concern, presenting a profound challenge for healthcare and social welfare systems. Community-based home care is seen as an effective approach to meet the care needs of older adults living with disabilities.

Objective: To construct a coping target checklist for home-based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers.

Methods: The initial draft was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, followed by two rounds of Delphi correspondence final version.

Results: A comprehensive literature review resulted in the development of 7 modules, 20 topics. After round 1, 3 items were removed, 3 sections, 1 topic and 1 objective were new additions, 16 items were modified, split or combined. Four sections, 3 sections (Individual coping target for spousal caregivers, Individual coping target for older adults living with disabilities, and Shared coping target), 7 modules, 18 topics and 49 objectives were finally identified in round 2. The content of the list tool is derived from three perspectives: self-management strategies for older adults living with disabilities, caregiving strategies for spousal caregivers, and combined.

Conclusions: The coping target checklist was intended to be evidence-based and reflective of a practical direction for home-based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers living at home.

Keywords: Delphi technique; disability; dyadic coping; older adults; spousal caregiver.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Caregivers*
  • Checklist
  • Coping Skills
  • Disabled Persons*
  • Humans
  • Spouses