Domiciliary Carers’ Perspectives on Alcohol Use by Older Adults in Their Care: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Catherine Haighton*, Mel Steer, Bethany Nichol

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

As global populations continue to age, alcohol consumption rises, and we strive to age in place, it is important to have an up-to-date understanding of domiciliary carers’ perspectives on older adults’ alcohol use in their care. Therefore, a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies of the unique challenges faced by domiciliary care workers in front line roles regarding older adults’ alcohol use was conducted (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024516660). Eight databases were searched on 22 February 2024 for qualitative studies focusing on older adults’ (defined as aged 50 or over) alcohol consumption and domiciliary care. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist was utilised for quality appraisal. Twenty articles reporting 14 unique studies of mainly medium to low quality were included. Three overarching themes (and associated subthemes) were identified as follows: identification (alcohol problems are common, no assessment for alcohol problems, and additional overt signs of excessive alcohol use), management (to buy or not to buy that is the question, balancing rights and risks, monitor and report but do not intervene, maintaining the vicious circle, home as a barrier to accessing support and services, and more support needed from healthcare professionals), and training (lack of alcohol education). Domiciliary carers are well placed to make every contact count to target alcohol consumption but would benefit from support and resources for alcohol consumption identification and management. Clear guidance on how to manage alcohol consumption to harmoniously balance rights and risks is crucial, particularly when caring for older adults with cognitive difficulties.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1324
Number of pages18
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume21
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • domiciliary carers
  • alcohol
  • older adults
  • care
  • systematic review
  • thematic synthesis
  • qualitative

Cite this