Peer reviewed
ERIC Number: EJ725204
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Oct-1
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0016-9013
EISSN: N/A
Challenges to Providing End-of-Life Care to Low-Income Elders with Advanced Chronic Disease: Lessons Learned from a Model Program
Kramer, Betty J.; Auer, Casey
Gerontologist, v45 n5 p651 Oct 2005
Purpose: This study explored the challenges in providing end-of-life care to low-income elders with multiple comorbid chronic conditions in a fully "integrated" managed care program, and it highlighted essential recommendations. Design and Methods: A case-study design was used that involved an extensive analysis of qualitative data from five focus groups with interdisciplinary team members, two in-depth interviews with administrators, and open-ended survey responses from social workers detailing death experiences of 120 elders. Results: Seven major themes characterized primary end-of-life care challenges: (a) the nature of advanced chronic disease; (b) the incapacity of support systems; (c) barriers to honoring care preferences; (d) challenges with characteristics and needs of participants; (e) needs of complex family systems; (f) barriers with transitions; and (g) barriers with culture and language. Implications: The lessons learned suggest recommendations with implications for program development, practice, policy, and future research.
Descriptors: Program Development, Family (Sociological Unit), Social Work, Focus Groups, Chronic Illness, Hospices (Terminal Care), Low Income Groups, Older Adults, Case Studies, Death, Surveys
Gerontological Society of America, 1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005-1503. Web site: http://www.gerontologyjournals.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A