Profile of the caregiver and the person with hip fracture
Alzheimer’s, hip fracture, fracture
The majority (n=8/10) of caregivers were first-time caregivers with little or no understanding of the hip fracture recovery process.‘His wife had Alzheimer’s and he cared for her for about 16years.So,it’s something that he understands.And he,well,he’s just very good at it.’(Person with Hip Fracture,Female,Intervention Group)For those caregivers in full-time employment, competing priorities between work and caring highlighted the reality of being an informal caregiver.‘I had loads of work on and I was having to work at 10 o'clock at night to try and get my work done,because through the day when places were open,I was fooling around trying to get the things we need,sort mam and do her appointments.’(Caregiver,Female,Control Group)The profile of people with hip fracture in this study was generally active older adults, some of whom were still in employment and felt the services available post-hip fracture were not conducive to their lifestyle, needs or goals. They perceived services are primarily designed for older adults, suggesting inadequacy in rehabilitation for those with hip fracture (and their caregivers) aiming to return to occupational or physically demanding leisure activities.‘I don't think we're typical patients and carers.Certainly,I am definitely not a typical carer,and *** is definitely not a typical patient.’(Caregiver,Male,Intervention Group)‘You know,I'm not a little old female who sits and knits in the chair and doesn't move about much so that makes a difference,doesn't it?’(Person with Hip Fracture,Female,Intervention Group)Caregivers were also mindful of their own age and health status. Caregivers were aware that they required physical and mental capacity to effectively care for the person following hip fracture and that maintaining their own health and well-being was equally as important.‘I was conscious that I had to take care of myself to be fit to be looking after her.’(Caregiver,Male,Intervention Group)‘You know I'm so lucky that I'm healthy still.That I'm young and capable,but,who knows,you know?’(Caregiver,Male,Intervention Group)Caregivers recognised the need to balance their own physical and psychological needs with their care recipient’s need.