Work

Family Members’ Experiences of Long-Term Home Care for Older Adults Provided by Live-In Migrant Caregivers: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesise qualitative evidence from family members’ experiences of long-term home care for older adults provided by live-in migrant caregivers. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review with meta-synthesis using four online databases. The search included articles published between January 2015 and November 2025 on the CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS and WOS databases. Thematic synthesis of qualitative data was conducted. Results: eleven papers from six different countries fulfilled the criteria and were included in the thematic synthesis. Four main themes were identified: 1. Not an easy decision. 2. A stranger at the heart of family life. 3. Two worlds that meet and need each other. 4. Improving the integration of migrant caregivers into family life. Hiring migrant caregivers to provide long-term home care to older adults can ease the burden on family caregivers, but it is an additional source of stress and worry. Conclusions: The family members of older adults call for greater financial and institutional support, as well as the involvement of social and health services in the training and education of families and migrant caregivers. Negotiation skills and the ability to reach consensus between older adults (OAs), family members and resident migrant caregivers are key to improving cohabitation and care for OAs. The primary goal is the well-being of the OAs, which involves overcoming cultural prejudices, learning together in response to the new situation, improving caregivers’ training, and ensuring continuity of care.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14040483