Supportive strategies for men who perform a care role : an occupational perspective

Background/Aim: Health and social care practitioners often work alongside care givers. The aim of this study is consider commonality in the experience of being a male caregiver from specific perspectives utilising secondary analysis of research related to fathers of an adult child who has intellectual disability, and a study related to older widowers. Methods: Secondary analysis of findings arising from two qualitative studies of men who have experience of a care role from different perspectives was applied using a triangulation approach to illuminate, develop and enrich findings between studies. Findings: Overarching themes across the two studies included ‘Aspects of a care role’ and ‘Supportive mechanisms’. The findings demonstrate that men from these specific groups are actively involved in care and there are varied aspects to a care role. Factors that support men include the provision of appropriate and timely information, time spent in leisure activities, support from family, friends and individualised services. Conclusions: If service providers are aware of strategies that are useful to male carers, this may support the health and wellbeing of both carer and the person they support