Barriers in family care for older adults: Qualitative analysis of medical social work cases from the gerontological social work lens

This study examines barriers to family-based care through medical social work case reports from Bartın State Hospital in Turkey for the period 2022–24. From an initial forty-three reports, a final sample of thirty-eight was included based on predefined criteria. As a result of the analysis, four main themes were identified: Factor arising from barriers to providing care (structural, health-based, motivational), family system and relational factors (intra-family communication issues, lack of social support), factors attributable to older people (health status, level of care needs), and risk factors (neglect/abuse, lack of kinship). It was seen that factors such as geographical distance, health problems, indifference and communication problems within the family, chronic diseases of older adults, self-care inadequacies, neglect/abuse, and lack of kinship were effective in referring to institutional care. By situating these results within a gerontological social work framework, the study underscores the vital role of social work interventions in empowering older adults, enhancing caregiver support, and improving community-based services, all while formulating policy initiatives aimed at combating ageism and promoting social justice. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of a multidimensional and holistic approach to developing sustainable eldercare systems that improve the quality of life for older people.