Health Care Hassles of Caregivers to the Chronically Ill

Abstract

This research investigated variables that influenced hassles with the health care system among 320 informal caregivers of the chronically ill. Caregivers of the chronically ill usually have considerable contact with the health care system. The research shifted the focus from strain in the caregiver-recipient dyad to hassles with the health care system that occur outside the immediate care setting. Using data from interviews, four groups of variables were considered in relation to health care hassles: demographic characteristics, caregiver involvement, assistance from others, and barriers in the care setting. With the exception of age, features of care were more closely associated with health care hassles than were demographic characteristics. Older caregivers reported fewer hassles. Persons with less physical capacity, more involvement in direct care, and greater barriers to accessing care in the immediate setting experienced more hassles in obtaining health care. Needs for assistance with coordination of recipient's health and medical care were especially linked with hassles and suggested possible interventions.