Context: As population ageing continues to increase in Canada, more older adults are ageing in rural contexts, which presents unique challenges and benefits, particularly for persons living in long-term care. Objective: This study examined the experiences of family caregivers in rural Saskatchewan when a resident became unwell while living in a rural long-term care home. Methods: Unstructured, conversational interviews with eleven family caregivers in three rural long-term care homes were conducted and thematically analysed. Findings: Family caregivers highlighted stresses arising from transitions and adverse events, and the impact of the rural context on their interactions with staff and available resources for residents when they became unwell. Limitations: Potential limitations include a relatively small sample size and the unstructured nature of interviews. Implications: The findings from this study highlight the effects of a rural context on outcomes and experiences of family caregivers caring with older adults who become unwell when living in long-term care.
Huijer et al. (Thu,) studied this question.