Aims
The study’s primary aim is to evaluate the carer experience within the Monash at Home (MAH) program, a multidisciplinary hospital at home (HaH) model of subacute care for older adults. The secondary aims are to assess carer burden of patients admitted to the MAH program, identify the challenges and care factors influencing this, and determine the program’s strengths and weaknesses from the carer perspective.
Methods
Descriptive qualitative study utilising semi-structured telephone interviews was conducted. Interviews were analysed through an inductive thematic framework.
Results
15 interviews were conducted with carers of patients admitted to the MAH program. From the findings, an overarching concept of “A challenging but worthwhile carer experience” was observed, with the following themes of 1) Factors influencing burden for carers of MAH patients, 2) Strengths and positive impact of the MAH program, and 3) Areas for improvement being described.
Conclusions
This study reviews the unique experience of carers supporting older adults in a HaH model of subacute care. Although being able to return home is often seen as a largely positive outcome for patients, carers often take on increased responsibility to care for their loved ones at home, resulting in a greater burden of care. This can bring many challenges but can also be seen as a rewarding and beneficial experience for carers with the support of a dedicated multidisciplinary program to assist in transitioning home. There is also recognition of the strengths and weaknesses associated with this HaH program from the carer perspective.