Little is known about how older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), family caregivers and health care providers manage MCC in Canada. Patients face several challenges in managing MCC, including lack of care coordination; limited resources to support self-management; difficulties in managing multiple, often interacting, medications; and inadequate emotional support. Approaches that incorporate the perspectives of clients, family caregivers and providers can result in better outcomes in managing the complexity of MCC.
This study resulted in a better understanding of how older adults manage MCC; factors influencing their ability to manage; and their preferences for care. The study results also help to guide decision-makers in the design and implementation of community-based primary health-care interventions to support older adults with MCC and their family caregivers, focusing specifically on their preferences for and goals of care.