Abstract

Background: Although a number of studies have explored the issue of home help service for elderly care, very few studies have deeply investigated the emotional or psychological wellbeing of home helpers; in Japan specifically, the burden and distress of home helpers is still unknown. The present study aims to reveal the emotional and psychological profile of home helpers.

Methods: The authors used qualitative data based on the retrospective abduction of a one-hour focus group discussion on burden and distress among home helpers held in and around the city of Nagoya in 2012. The group discussion was entitled “Define the burden and distress of home helpers”. A total of 14 participants, 12 females and 2 males, agreed to take part in the study.

Results: Nine groups were extracted: 1) Relations between home helpers and users are not always smooth; 2)There is communication gap between home helpers and their colleagues; 3)Offering customized support to users and families is difficult; 4)Home helpers have tight schedules; 5) Home helpers are treated badly; 6) Poor support from management; 7) Users and families don't understand the public long-term care insurance system and need home helpers to constantly clarify it; 8) Home helpers often fail to provide the care services requested by users for lack of time; 9) Home helpers always feel isolated and worry about providing appropriate care.

Conclusion: The results suggest that home helpers work in an environment where they have to endure hard labor, heavy pressure, and lack of sympathy.