ABSTRACT

In Hungary, as in most other countries, faces an aging population. Chronic illnesses, including cancer, among older adults often require assistance from family and formal caregivers. This study’s objective was to understand Hungarian social (formal) caregivers’ challenges providing care in the home for older adults diagnosed with cancer. A focus group design explored the experiences of 28 Hungarian social caregivers and 6 social work supervisors who work for county agencies responsible for formal caregiving services to older adults. The data reveal that the older adults often developed dependence on these caregivers for physical (personal), health-related, and “emotional” care. Caregivers also related difficult interactions with health providers and observation of ethical problems (autonomy, truth-telling, and justice). The complex nature of providing social care for Hungarian older adults with serious illness calls for policies that set increased requirements of educational competence and training.

摘要

与大多数其他国家一样，匈牙利面临着人口老龄化问题。老年人中的慢性病，​​包括癌症，通常需要家人和正式护理人员的帮助。本研究的目的是了解匈牙利社会（正式）护理人员在为诊断出患有癌症的老年人提供居家护理时所面临的挑战。焦点小组设计探讨了 28 名匈牙利社会护理人员和 6 名社会工作主管的经历，他们在负责为老年人提供正式护理服务的县级机构工作。数据显示，老年人在身体（个人）、健康相关和“情感”护理方面经常依赖这些护理人员。看护者还涉及与医疗服务提供者的困难互动以及对道德问题（自主权、说真话和正义）的观察。