Abstract:

Unpaid caregivers may experience social isolation as they care for a person in need of care. The level of isolation varies among the caregivers based on the condition of the person they are caring for, additional support provided and the resources available to them. Digital technologies offer an opportunity to support access to information and connect caregivers. By examining their use of digital tools and types of digital support available, we could conclude to what extent these tools and resources could support them. First, a scoping review was conducted to review the nature and extent of how caregivers can use digital technologies to improve the digital inclusion of unpaid caregivers. The analysis revealed three themes on belonging, types of web-based used and searching for support. Second, a stakeholders input was collocated from unpaid caregivers on their role, the types of online resources used, and the importance of social inclusion in their lives using individual interviews and a focus group.

This research focuses on how caregivers can use digital technologies to reduce social isolation. For this research project, a caregiver is a person who takes on an unpaid caring role for someone who needs help because of a physical or cognitive condition, an injury or chronic life-limiting illness — also referred to as an informal caregiver. An informal caregiver is a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour who provides care for a critically ill person without pay. An informal caregiver may provide care and support at home or in another care setting where the critically ill person is receiving care. These caregivers are continually looking for a solution to support their care to their loved ones. Technology is poised to offer solutions to help meet these demands. Google has been identified as the go-to-source for the start of the online journey for items such as pain management, navigating the system, respite, bereavement support, legal, financial, emotional and spiritual support and alternative therapies. With so many resources available, there is a need to identify the most effective and needed. Therefore, caregivers need to navigate the health and social care system so they can help care recipients get the appropriate level of care by the appropriate providers as efficiently as possible. Given the complexity and silos that exist within our health and social services systems, accessing this information is not available in a one-stop or easy to access format.

Keywords:

Social, Inclusion, Caregivers, Unpaid, Scoping, Qualitative.