1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« We investigated behaviour towards institutionalisation of participants in a longitudinal study following older adults identified at risk of functional decline. The behaviour of their primary informal caregiver was also measured and our first objective was to assess the agreement between the two. As a second objective, we aimed to identify correlates of differential behaviour between both dyad members. » (p. 611)

Questions/Hypothèses:
« This study was conducted in the context of cognitive impairment and the elder’s decision-making capacity could be questioned. It is, however, legitimate to hypothesise that such a disagreement could have similar consequences when older adults are apt to decide for themselves. » (p. 611)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Les données proviennent de l’étude longitudinale : Program of Research to Integrate Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy (PRISMA). 593 personnes âgées et leur aidant ont répondu à cette étude. Ils ont été interviewés « en face à face » une fois par année tout au long de leur participation à cette recherche (deux à quatre ans) et ont répondu à un questionnaire téléphonique à chaque deux mois.

Instruments:
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« We aimed to compare behaviour towards institutionalisation between frail older adults and their informal caregivers, and identify correlates of differential behaviour […].Compared with neither person thinking about it, the care-receiver alone thinking about placement was associated with using voluntary services, receiving help for home maintenance and visits to the emergency room during the previous year, along with the caregiver being aged 70 years or over. Compared with neither person thinking about it, the caregiver alone thinking about placement was associated with being male, not residing with the care-receiver, sensing a higher subjective burden, along with the care-receiver being 85 years or older, not being able to feed him/herself independently and visits to the emergency room during the previous year. Identified correlates can be useful in targeting dyads likely to behave differently. Communication within these dyads needs to be enhanced, as it is crucial to ensure that both parties are comfortable with possible future institutionalisation. » (p. 610) La question du rôle et de l’influence de la famille dans ces situations est aussi abordée.