Survey Results

Data analysis falls into four distinct domains. The first scrutinizes reliability based on
respondent characteristics. The second identifies factors that respondents believe assist in care
activities. The third projects respondent potential to provide care. The fourth identifies
generalities from open ended responses.
Respondent Characteristics
There were 58 respondents, 15.5% of which were eliminated by the initial question
designed to screen out individuals that do not fit the survey population. Of the remaining 49
respondents, 51% indicated the individual identified as their senior
i
experiences a significant
health issue. This may indicate the respondent does not strictly fit within the population
boundaries. Finally, 97.9% of respondents designate their ethnic orientation as white.
Factors Respondents Believe Assist in Supportive Care
No correlation was observed between respondent age and the perception that seniors
desire supportive care. Likewise, there was no correlation between respondents perception of
seniors desire for care and the presence of open communication between the caregiver and the
senior. Respondents did however, list open communication as being a factor they believe to
facilitate supportive care success.
There is a positive correlation (0.69) related to respondents perception that assistance
from family and friends and assistance from medical professionals promotes supportive care
success, as seen in Figure 1. Furthermore, there is a significant positive correlation (0.84) related
to respondents perception that helping devices promote supportive care success, depicted in
Figure 2.


FIGURE 1: SOCIAL & PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS & SUPORTIVE CARE SUCCESS
Point size increases proportionally as respondent answers overlap

FIGURE 2: HELPING DEVICES & SUPPORTIVE CARE SUCCESS
Point size increases proportionally as respondent answers overlap.


Of the helping devices and factors covered by the survey, those believed to be most
helpful are
i

professionals to go to for advice,
presence of hobbies, friends and interests that provide activity for the senior,
open communication between care giver and senior, and
sharing responsibility for care with someone.
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Respondent Potential to Provide Supportive Care
No correlation was found between respondents potential to provide care and
travel distance,
senior/respondent contact frequency,
respondent age, and
presence of significant health issues.

Although, as Figure 3 demonstrates there is a positive correlation (0.44) between proximity and
contact frequency.
FIGURE 3: SENIOR PROXIMITY & CONTACT FREQUENCY
Point size increases proportionally as respondent answers overlap.


Open Ended Responses
Most of the responses to the open ended questions relate to content covered by the survey
and uphold analysis conclusions. The theme of seniors desiring independence is prevalent in
these responses. In some cases respondent verbiage may indicate a belief that the desire for
independence eliminates the need for or relieves family members from the commitment of
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
supportive care. Most older adults are independent mined and find support, especially from
their children, to be intrusive and for the most part unwanted. Additionally, several new ideas
were identified. These include
caregiver education about the aging process,
usefulness of therapy animals,
geriatric doctors trained to promote caregiver success, and
access to disease and treatment information.

Unique respondent comments highlight additional ideas.

Some would rather have a stranger help rather than expose their frailty to a family member.

Supportive care is easier with same sex progeny and parent relative to assistance with bathing,
restroom and personal grooming, if needed.

i
Based on survey qualifications.