Project | A multi-level mixed method analysis of homecare inequities for rural older adults in Ireland |
Host: | University of Galway, Ireland |
Main Supervisor: | Prof. Kieran Walsh |
Co-Supervisors: | Dr. Marie Mahon, University of Galway; Dr. Nat O’Connor; Prof. Dr. Liesbeth De Donder |
My name is Jianmei Zhou from China. I graduated from Central China Normal University with a bachelor’s degree in Geography science in 2014. I worked for six years as a geography teacher while pursuing my part-time master’s degree in education which I completed in 2019. Then, I continue my studies with a full-time master’s degree in human geography at Lund University, Sweden which I finished in January 2023. In September of 2023, I started my PhD research at University of Galway, Ireland.
Title of Project: A multi-level mixed method analysis of homecare inequities for rural older adults in Ireland
Aim of Project: This project aims to explore to what degree the multi-level construction of rurality and ageing might combine to reinforce a spatial ageism, impeding community-based supports and harming the quality of life of rural ageing populations.
The research which adopts a mixed-method approach is guided by two core concepts: spatial justice; and ageism. The project will comprise of four different interconnected studies at multi-level. First, a critical review of current policies will be completed to explore the macro-level representations of rurality, ageing and care and the challenges and strategies related to homecare provision. Second, using primary survey data-collection involving homecare providers, the capacity and potential availability of rural care ecosystems for the provision of homecare, and the prevalence of meso-level access inequalities will be assessed across different kinds of rural settings. Third, employing a comparative qualitative case-study design, the in-depth experiences of homecare services amongst heterogeneous older adult populations in diverse rural areas will be investigated. Fourth, drawing on a synthesis of these first three analyses, principles of equitable home care provision will be distilled serving as a spatial-justice informed homecare framework.
Data analysis in progress on survey data from homecare providers’ perspective
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