1. Objectifs

Intentions :
The aim of this study is to identify the types of issues lived by English-speaker caregivers of seniors in the province of Quebec, where they have to interact with French-speaker health care providers.

Questions/Hypothèses :
«The research question was whether a situation of language asymmetry could lead English-speaking caregivers to experience additional types of problems, and to identify what these were.» (p. 3)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Participants were «English caregivers of English-speaking seniors living in Quebec […].» (p. 3) «In terms of the characteristics of the caregivers, all but two of the caregivers were 65 years of age or more (the two exceptions appeared to be in their late 50s and cared for someone over 65). Most of the participants cared for a spouse, although three of them cared for an older parent. All couples were heterosexual. One elderly woman cared for an older sister who was living with her (and quite advanced in age), and one woman in her 80s cared for a female friend who was in a long-term care institution. Four of the caregivers were male, and cared for their spouse.» (p. 4)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«The majority of the caregivers interviewed indicated that they were satisfied with the interaction and/or care that physicians provided to the seniors that they were caring for, even if the physicians were not native English speakers. However, some problems were mentioned in relation to the caregivers’ interaction with physicians, and more frequently with other health care providers. Critical comments were made by caregivers who spoke about health care providers who refused or were unable to speak English, or about the lack of English skills on the part of some home or residence (long-term housing) support personnel. Some caregivers indicated anxiety about speaking to health care providers in French. Other problems identified included traveling further than French speakers in order to receive health services in their first language, needing to insist that interaction takes place in English, acting as an informal interpreter, [and many others]. The main finding is that, in comparison with French-speaking caregivers, a situation of language asymmetry may create additional problems, stresses, and frustrations in the life of an English-speaking caregiver in Quebec, who is already likely to be stressed because of their caregiver role […].» (p. 9)