Patient and Family Caregiver Experience with a Collaborative Care Pilot Project to Support Seniors Managing Multi-Morbidity in a Primary Care Setting

Abstract

This study reports findings from an evaluation of a 3-year collaborative care pilot project implemented in a Canadian primary care setting to assess and treat seniors (age ≥ 65) living at home with a chronic physical illness and co-morbid depressed mood or anxiety. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with seniors and family caregivers who had participated in the project (n = 14). Descriptive qualitative analysis revealed the significance of the care manager’s role in offering social and emotional connection and non-stigmatizing support to seniors living at home and self-managing their physical and mental health.