Self-direction is an approach that allows older adults and people with disabilities to determine the home- and community-based services they receive, including the ability to hire caregivers of their choice. Self-direction has been shown to improve outcomes for the service recipients. The promotion of choice and control in self-direction may also affect family caregivers. We conducted a systematic review examining the impact of self-direction on a broad range of caregiver outcomes.
We conducted a systematic review guided by PRISMA guidelines. Literature search was conducted in 8 databases. We appraised risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists and assessed certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.
Sixteen studies meeting inclusion criteria were included. We found, with moderate certainty, that self-direction is associated with improved caregivers’ personal and social well-being. Caregivers also reported reduced unmet needs and increased access to care for the care recipients under self-direction. Self-direction did not appear to reduce caregiving hours. With less certainty, self-direction was also positively associated with increased respite care use, perception of choice, and intention to continue caregiving by caregivers.
Beyond delivering person-centered services that improve recipient outcomes, self-direction may also improve the outcomes of family caregivers.