PERCEPTIONS OF INFORMAL CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS BY HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN KAZAKHSTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The demographic landscape of the world is undergoing significant changes, characterized by an increase in the elderly population. This demographic shift can impose a burden on informal caregivers, who play a key role in providing care for this age group. The aim of the study is to investigate the perceptions of healthcare and social care workers regarding informal care for older adults in Kazakhstan. We employed a qualitative thematic approach and implemented purposive sampling within healthcare institutions and social service organizations. The research data was analyzed using the approach of content analysis. A total of ten interviews were conducted from November 22, 2021, to January 17, 2022. The findings of our study show that healthcare and social care workers perceive their roles as predominantly reactive, with a primary focus on older adults rather than on the caregivers themselves. Despite recognizing the challenges inherent in caregiving, the participants of the study did not acknowledge the necessity for the implementation of support measures. Instead, they generally perceive informal caregiving as a familial duty, typically entrusted to adult children. Social welfare is provided exclusively to those caring for disabled individuals, while medical and psychological support remains the same as that provided to ordinary patients. This emphasizes the need for reforms in healthcare and social care policies aimed at identification and supporting informal caregivers in the care of older adults.