Volunteers as caregivers for elderly with chronic diseases: An assessment of demand and cause of demand

ObjectiveWe sought to examine the demand of volunteers on long-term care of elderly patients with chronic diseases. Further, we evaluated patients' reasons to want long-term care volunteers as well as socioeconomic factors affecting these needs.MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed to 516 elderly with chronic diseases from nursing homes, hospitals, and elderly living with relatives. Patient questions dealt with basic socioeconomic questions, their reasons to want care volunteers, and the nature of chronic disease, and their motivation to volunteer and which sorts of activities they perform while volunteering.Results73.4% of the elderly patients with chronic diseases desired to have volunteers for long-term care. The most desired services were care visits, transportation, and leisure/recreation activities. The number of chronic diseases they had, their marital status, education level, and social support system were all statistically important.ConclusionThe data presented here suggest that the government should actively advocate for volunteer service for elderly with chronic diseases. Additional support is needed in terms of financial support, incentive measures, professional training for volunteers, and supervision of volunteers. Such developments are needed to improve volunteer service standards.