Relationships in consumer-directed care: An integrative literature review

Objective: To undertake an integrative review of the literature on relationships between community aged care recipients, family carers and care providers under consumer-directed care (CDC). Methods: Seven databases were systematically searched. Peer-reviewed and grey literature on CDC between 1998 and 2014 were assessed using an integrative literature review (ILR) framework. Search terms included CDC, self-directed care, direct payments, community aged care, community dwelling and older adults. Full-text copies were assessed against the inclusion criteria. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. This ILR found no research with a specific focus on caregiving relationships for older adults. The literature did however identify relational issues such as support, planning and provider attitude as fundamental to the success of CDC. Conclusion: Relationships within the caregiving triad have important implications for the way CDC is enacted, particularly when the care recipient has dementia, suggesting this population as a priority for future research.