Networks of Informal Caring: a Mixed-Methods Approach

Citation

Rutherford AC & Bowes A (2014) Networks of Informal Caring: a Mixed-Methods Approach. Canadian Journal on Aging, 33 (4), pp. 473-487. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980814000361

Abstract
Care for older people is a complex phenomenon, and is an area of pressing policy concern. Bringing together literature on care from social gerontology and economics, we report the findings of a mixed-methods project exploring networks of informal caring. Using quantitative data from the British Household Panel Survey (official survey of British households), together with qualitative interviews with older people and informal carers, we describe differences in formal care networks, and the factors and decision-making processes that have contributed to the formation of the networks. A network approach to care permits both quantitative and qualitative study, and the approach can be used to explore many important questions.

Keywords
aging; care network; informal care; mixed methods

Journal
Canadian Journal on Aging: Volume 33, Issue 4

People

Professor Alison Bowes

Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences

Professor Alasdair Rutherford

Professor, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology