Carer help studied
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Experts say phone support reduces carer stress, but improving their quality of life remains elusive.
A recent study by the University of Western Australia (UWA) has demonstrated that phone-based support from nurses effectively lowers stress among carers of older adults, though it does not enhance their overall health-related quality of life.
Research leader Professor Anne-Marie Hill noted the significant role of informal carers in Australia, saying; “There are more than 2.65 million Australians who, as carers, provide help and support for their family or friends”.
She said there is a growing need for support as Australia's population ages and life expectancy rises, highlighting the pressure on caregivers.
The study involved 547 caregivers, all aged 18 or older, who were providing weekly, home-based care to patients aged 70 or above following their hospital discharge.
Conducted across three hospitals in two states, the trial provided carers with six supportive phone calls from nurses over six months, with a follow-up extending to 12 months.
According to Associate Professor Susan Slatyer from Murdoch University, the phone support had notable positive effects on carers.
“They felt more prepared, their self-efficacy improved and their levels of strain and distress decreased,” she said.
However, no significant improvements were recorded in caregivers’ health-related quality of life compared to those without phone support.
The findings suggest that more comprehensive interventions are needed to better address carers’ overall well-being.
Professor Hill stressed that additional support systems should include “psychological, financial, social, and home-care assistance,” particularly during hospital discharge phases, to improve health outcomes for carers.