The Unheard Voices of Unpaid Carers within the Long-Term Care System in Taiwan
This study examines unpaid carers' decision-making processes regarding various LTC services, utilising the models of carers. Insights from thirty carers of people with schizophrenia (PWS) were gathered through semi-structured interviews.
The findings revealed that carers using LTC 2.0, and non-LTC 2.0 services had differing preferences, shaped by their perceptions of PWS needs. Non-LTC 2.0 carers prioritized the independence of PWS, while LTC 2.0 carers were more concerned with health deterioration, leading them to choose LTC 2.0. Many carers were worried about their ability to sustain caregiving, driving them to seek LTC support. Additionally, access to respite care for carers was tied to whether their care recipient was an LTC 2.0 user, rather than being considered independently. As a result, carers' voices were often overlooked in the needs assessment process.
Based on the model of carers, Taiwan's LTC system has not adequately integrated carers. The system primarily focuses on the needs of care recipients and still views carers as co-workers, acknowledging but not fully addressing the potential conflicts of interest between them. Greater attention should be given to the broader impact of LTC on carers and how the caregiving relationship affects their well-being. The needs of both service users and carers are interconnected and should not be treated separately within the social care system.