Predictors of use of secondary carers used by the elderly following hospital discharge.

This research examines how caregiver-patient relationship (female spouses, and adult daughters and daughters-in-law) when cross classified with patient coresidence patterns explains the level of secondary carers' involvement among patients with newly added needs for assistance at home following hospital discharge. Among 196 primary caregivers (104 spouses, 92 daughters and daughters-in-law), patient needs were divided into ADL and mobility limitations, and medical tasks. Secondary carer involvement was categorized into levels differing at two observations: one following discharge and a second 3 months later. Analyses focused on explaining the levels of involvement of secondary carers following hospital discharge and the changes in secondary carers' involvement between the two observations. The baseline and change analyses revealed that caregiver-patient relationship was more important than coresidence patterns or patients' demands in explaining assistance from secondary carers. The implications of these findings on caregivers' reactions and policies regarding home care are explored.