Coconstructing a Flexible At-Home Respite Model for and with Caregivers of Older Adults: A Living Lab Approach

At-home respite services seem too rigid to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers. It is critical to develop service flexibility, as it allows for personalized care, adapted to health conditions, preferences, and evolving needs. While no prior studies used coconstruction methods to increase flexibility, this study could offer a better understanding of flexible respite for stakeholders. Using a living lab approach, this article aimed to (1) empirically determine the characteristics of this type of respite model and (2) document the levers and obstacles to consider for its implementation. Starting from a pre-existing flexible respite model named ANAAIS, the research team led workshops and interviews. First, the team carried out 2 workshops (TRIAGE and persona-scenario) with a total of 3 caregivers and 8 homecare professionals or managers. Second, a team member conducted interviews with 3 caregivers and 6 homecare professionals or managers. Content analysis was used on the data. The stakeholders coconstructed a Québec version of ANAAIS, a web application allowing caregivers to request an affordable respite, at the time wanted, and offered by a qualified care worker, through a simple application. Levers and barriers to its deployment are linked to the model’s characteristics as well as its internal and external context. For example, relations and connexions were perceived as a lever to deployment, while the lack of resources was considered an obstacle. This living lab project showed the feasibility and pragmatism of coconstructing a flexible and applicable respite service model.