Who Cares for the Caregiver: Strategies to Provide Support

Abstract

The numbers of family members providing home care for someone with a chronic or terminal illness are growing. However, not all family care-givers are capable or prepared to deal with the psychological and physical ramifications of providing care. Home health practitioners have a unique opportunity to intervene with this population and assist the family member to become a healthy caregiver. This article describes criteria for evaluating the health of the caregiver and care situation and presents strategies for promoting healthy caregiving behavior.