Like one of the family? Understanding relationships between migrant live-in care workers and older care recipients in Israel

Bibliographic Data

ID11200477
AuthorsKaren Teshuva (La Trobe University, corresponding author), Jiska Cohen-Mansfield (0000-0003-0209-7304, Tel Aviv University), Esther Iecovich (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Hava Golander (0000-0002-8457-8736, Tel Aviv University)
Year2019
Volume39
Issue7
Pages1387-1408
Publication date2019-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAgeing and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-686X • E-ISSN: 1469-1779
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0144686x1800003x
OpenAlexW2791800952
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited39

Frail older people worldwide are increasingly being cared for in their own homes by migrant live-in care workers; however, extant literature on care relationships in this care context is sparse. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the quality and the nature of care relationships between full-time, live-in migrant care workers and older people in Israel. Quantitative and qualitative data were drawn from a 2014 survey of 116 migrant care workers and 73 older care recipients. Mean scores for four quantitative items relating to care relationships were examined and independent samples t -tests and Pearson correlations were performed, whereas qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis. Credibility of qualitative findings was checked by peer review. Most older people and migrant care workers gave high ratings to the four items. Significant correlations between the two groups were found for their responses on all four relationship items assessed, with only one item (‘get along well’) producing significant t -test differences. Qualitative data provided a deeper understanding of the quantitative ratings of care relationships. Four major qualitative themes emerged as inextricably tied with both groups’ perceptions of positive care relationships. These were: an emotional connection; reciprocity; effective communication; and meeting the older person's care needs. Study findings were interpreted through the theoretical lens of relationship-centred care. Implications of the findings for theory, practice and further research are discussed

Context (archaeology) · Credibility · Perception · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Reciprocity (cultural anthropology) · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

Tools

Open DOISci-HubOpen Access