Needs and Supports for Family Caregivers of Chronically Ill Elders

Abstract

Family members provide extensive care to elders in the home. Such care requires a level of knowledge and skill unprecedented by lay people. Yet, the needs of family caregivers often are ignored and the health risks undetected. The purpose of this article is to assist home care nurses in identifying caregivers at risk, assessing family care-giver needs, and intervening to provide necessary resources. Needs are classified according to caregiver role needs and caregiver health maintenance and/or health promotion needs. Resources are identified that home care nurses can use in developing interventions to assist and support family caregivers.