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Role and Characteristics of Personal Care Assistants of Frail Older People with Functional Limitations Ageing in Place in Italy

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  • Maria Gabriella Melchiorre

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, IRCCS INRCA—National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Sabrina Quattrini

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, IRCCS INRCA—National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Giovanni Lamura

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, IRCCS INRCA—National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

  • Marco Socci

    (Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, IRCCS INRCA—National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, 60124 Ancona, Italy)

Abstract

When older people become frail with functional limitations, and age alone in place, caring support is fundamental for performing daily living activities. The present study aimed to explore the current role and characteristics of privately hired Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) of older people in Italy, in light of the decreasing care availability of the family and the low provision of public services. In the study “Inclusive ageing in place” (IN-AGE), 120 qualitative interviews were carried out in 2019, involving frail older people living at home in three Italian regions: Lombardy, Marche, and Calabria. A content analysis was conducted, in addition to some simple quantifications of statements. Results showed the support of PCAs in 27 cases, mainly when health issues of seniors were referred. In addition, informal and irregular employment contracts were reported. Moreover, a comparison between PCA and Domestic Home Help (DHH, 44 cases), highlighted how they even more provide very similar functions (i.e., home and personal care). The role of PCA emerged as crucial in Italy, especially in the South. Thus, to boost up home services seems necessary for allowing ageing in place, also by integrating PCAs in formal public Long-Term Care (LTC), and by providing incentive systems for regular hiring.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Marco Socci, 2022. "Role and Characteristics of Personal Care Assistants of Frail Older People with Functional Limitations Ageing in Place in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3969-:d:780504
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    1. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Barbara D’Amen & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Marco Socci, 2022. "Caring for Frail Older People Living Alone in Italy: Future Housing Solutions and Responsibilities of Family and Public Services, a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-29, June.
    2. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Marco Socci & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Barbara D’Amen, 2022. "Frail Older People Ageing in Place in Italy: Use of Health Services and Relationship with General Practitioner," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-26, July.
    3. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Barbara D’Amen & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Marco Socci, 2022. "Health Emergencies, Falls, and Use of Communication Technologies by Older People with Functional and Social Frailty: Ageing in Place in Deprived Areas of Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-23, November.
    4. Marlene Seiffarth & Giulia Aureli, 2022. "Social Innovation in Home-Based Eldercare: Strengths and Shortcomings of Integrating Migrant Care Workers into Long-Term Care in Tuscany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-15, August.

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