Formal, Non-Formal and Mixed Care Models Challenges and Its Impact on Elderly Quality of Life and Psychological Well-being

Abstract

The presentation is based on a research study conducted in fulfillment of therequirements for a Doctoral degree in Social Work. The academic supervisor isProfessor Shorena Sadzaglishvili of Ilia State University. Relevance of the Issue: The doctoral thesis aims to study the impact of formal, informal,and mixed forms of long-term care in Georgia on the quality of life of older people.Georgia has been in the fourth phase of demographic transition since the 1990s,characterized by a significant decrease in the birth rate that nearly equals themortality rate (Badashvili, 2015). According to data from the National Statistics Officeof Georgia, as of January 1, 2024, the proportion of older adults aged 65 and overstands at 16.2%, marking an increase of 0.6% from the previous year (15.6%) (2023).Population aging is critical for Georgia and many developed and developing countries 21 (UNDESA, 2024). According to the World Health Organization, the global proportion ofolder individuals will rise from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050 (2024). This demographicshift significantly amplifies the demand for formal and informal long-term care forolder adults (UNDESA, 2024). This study intends to examine how formal, informal,and mixed care models in Georgia affect the quality of life of older people. Formal care refers to paid services provided by medical institutions or trainedprofessionals, while informal care consists of unpaid assistance from family members,close relatives, friends, or neighbors (Song, 2019). Mixed care combines elements ofboth formal and informal care (Szenkurok, Weber, & Bilger, 2024). In this study, formal care will focus on 24-hour institutions, informal care will involvefamilies where an older adult is cared for by a family member, and mixed care willconsist of older adults receiving care from a family member while also engaging in ahome care program. Research Questions: ✔ What is the quality of life of elderly individuals in each form of care?✔ What factors influence caregivers’ choices regarding the type ofcare?✔ How does the resilience of the elderly impact their quality of life? Research Methodology: The study will employ mixed research methods, incorporatingquantitative and qualitative approaches. The elderly participants will be interviewedusing quantitative methods to assess their quality of life, utilizing Anna Bowling’sOlder People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35). Resilience will be measuredwith the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Additionally, in-depth interviews will be 22 conducted with family members of the elderly to understand the factors influencingtheir choice of care. Target Group: The study will focus on older adults in formal, informal, and mixed careforms who require long-term care and have physical disabilities while retaining theircognitive abilities to participate. One hundred fifty individuals will be interviewed,with 50 older adults selected from each care form: women over 60, men over 65, andtheir caregivers or family members, totaling 30 participants. Limitations of the Research: This study is limited to older adults with intellectualdisabilities, as they must be able to participate actively and respond to the questions.Identifying older individuals in informal care forms may also present specificchallenges. Expected Results of the Study: The study aims to determine which formal, informal, andmixed care models contribute to a dignified quality of life for older people. It will alsoexplore the role of resilience in enhancing this quality of life. Additionally, we seek touncover the factors that influence caregivers’ choices regarding the type of careprovided.