The role of unpaid volunteers in a group caregiving approach: Validation of the Share(TM) the Care Program.

摘要

The growing population of older adults will lead to a change in the age structure in the United States, with older people outnumbering younger people for the first time. The changing age structure will affect the current workforce and place demands on the health and long term services and supports system. Moreover, with the suspension of many government programs and hospitals working to cut readmissions the burden on caregivers is increasing. On the other hand, the new generation of older adults will be healthier and better educated than previous generations. They are expected to be more productive and civically engaged, presenting an opportunity to capitalize on their skills and talents in bridging gaps in the aging and social services systems.;The Share The Care(TM) (STC) program has, for twenty years, been guiding people on how to pool their talents, time, and resources to assist someone facing a health, aging or medical crisis and maintain their help over time. The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive program evaluation to establish STC as an advanced program within the caregiver continuum that helps to alleviate caregiver burnout and isolation through the formation of an organized "caregiving family" for support. There was a self-selected sample of 137 participants from the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The sample was made up of individuals from the following groups: care recipients, caregivers, and group members. The data collection was conducted in two phases, beginning with an online survey and followed by in-depth phone interviews of a sample of survey participants.;The results of the study demonstrate that STC is successful in providing alternative caregiving strategies, helping to prevent isolation among adults living alone, easing burden among caregivers, and improving the overall wellbeing of those involved. A majority of caregivers (83%) reported a decreased sense of burden and 80% became more accepting of their family member's challenge or diagnosis. STC is an established, replicable caregiving program that has been supported by evidence. Adapting this model could provide extensive benefits to participants and communities/society.