Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Rationale & objective
Many older adults receiving hemodialysis have mobility limitations and rely on care partners, yet data are sparse regarding the support provided by care partners. Our aim was to examine how care partners support the mobility of an older adult receiving hemodialysis.Study design
Qualitative study.Setting & participants
Using purposive sampling, we recruited persons aged 60 years or more receiving maintenance hemodialysis and care partners aged 18 years or more who were providing support to an older adult receiving hemodialysis. We conducted in-person semi-structured interviews about mobility with each individual.Analytical approach
We conducted descriptive and focused coding of interview transcripts and employed thematic analysis. Our outcome was to describe perceived mobility supports provided by care partners using qualitative themes.Results
We enrolled 31 older adults receiving hemodialysis (42% women, 68% Black) with a mean age of 73 ± 8 years and a mean dialysis duration of 4.6 ± 3.5 years. Of these, 87% of patients used assistive devices and 90% had care partners. We enrolled 12 care partners (75% women, 33% Black) with a mean age of 54 ± 16 years. From our patient and care partner interviews, we found three themes: (1) what care partners see, (2) what care partners do, and (3) what care partners feel. Regarding what they see, care partners witness a decline in patient mobility. Regarding what they do, care partners guide and facilitate activities and manage others who also assist. Regarding what they feel, care partners respect the patient's autonomy but experience frustration and worry about the patient's future mobility.Limitations
Modest sample size; single geographic area.Conclusions
In older adults receiving hemodialysis, care partners observe a decline in mobility and provide support for mobility. They respect the patient's autonomy but worry about future mobility losses. Future research should incorporate care partners in interventions that address mobility in older adults receiving hemodialysis.
SUBMITTER: Liu CK
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9157255 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Kidney medicine 20220429 6
<h4>Rationale & objective</h4>Many older adults receiving hemodialysis have mobility limitations and rely on care partners, yet data are sparse regarding the support provided by care partners. Our aim was to examine how care partners support the mobility of an older adult receiving hemodialysis.<h4>Study design</h4>Qualitative study.<h4>Setting & participants</h4>Using purposive sampling, we recruited persons aged 60 years or more receiving maintenance hemodialysis and care partners aged 18 year ...[more]