Community-Engaged Insights: Understanding the Housing Needs of Rural Caregivers During Hospital Treatment

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of rural caregivers who require temporary housing during hospital treatment when healthcare is not available in their home communities. Understanding these experiences can identify challenges and inform solutions for improving rural access to healthcare.

Methods: We conducted a community-engaged qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with caregivers who stayed at a healthcare hospitality house in Charlotte, NC. Data were collected through virtual interviews in the fall of 2023 and analyzed by three independent reviewers using thematic analysis.

Findings: Caregivers faced significant financial, logistical, and emotional challenges associated with accessing healthcare far from home. Financial burdens were notable, with substantial out-of-pocket expenses despite reduced costs from the hospitality house. Proximity to hospitals was crucial, with participants favoring hospitality houses over hotels for their convenience and security. Emotional support from peers provided meaningful social bonds and alleviated feelings of isolation. Practical amenities, such as laundry facilities and kitchens, eased the daily living obligations. Participants also highlighted the need for advocacy and coordination in navigating care logistics.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight key themes showcasing the challenges faced by rural caregivers experiencing a health crisis and who must travel to access healthcare outside their home communities. Medical housing can serve multifaceted social needs during a health crisis and support the interconnectedness of financial, emotional, and practical aspects of healthcare access. Future research should explore broader and more diverse samples and continue to consider community-engaged approaches to deepen the understanding of health-related social needs needed to access healthcare.