The impact of informal care on the older persons’ perceived quality of life : a qualitative study among the ‘old old’ and professionals in Gozo

Abstract

Many scholars indicate that parallel with population ageing, informal care is experiencing a decline due to several factors. This dissertation studies this issue and explores how informal care influences the quality of life of Gozitan older persons who are aged 75 and over and who live at home. In-depth qualitative interviews are conducted with five older persons who are beneficiaries of informal care and with another five who do not have this assistance. This research also investigates the challenges that informal care is experiencing in Gozo and how these impact the community and residential services. Four professionals who work in the ageing sector in Gozo are interviewed to explore this matter and to better understand how the older persons’ wellbeing is influenced by informal care. Findings elicited through thematic analysis indicate that more independent older persons are in a better position to lead a good life without the need of frequent assistance although their families and relatives are still important especially when they are unable to cope. Findings also show that older persons who are relatively frailer require their informal caregivers’ assistance to maintain a good quality of life in practical, social and psychological aspects of their life. Informal care does not seem to protect older persons from loneliness while it appears to do very little for those experiencing financial challenges. Characteristics of the Gozitan community are reported to be central as they accompany informal care and influence the older persons’ wellbeing. Informal care is however reported as a medium through which abuse is carried out and as a resource that could be accompanied by older persons’ negative feelings. This study also suggests that informal care influences the demand on the formal services and its decline is expected to impact these services even further. Policy suggestions relate to direct and indirect measures to support informal care in Gozo and to improve the older persons’ quality of life.