Complexities for Hospice nurses in supporting family caregivers: Opinions from u.s. thought leaders

摘要

There has been a rapid increase in hospice care with 1.58 million families receiving services in 2010, of which over 41% were cared for in their homes. Compared to a hospital or nursing facility, home-based end-of-life care dramatically increases the responsibilities of family caregivers. The tasks of caregiving are new and overwhelming for most families. For example, family caregivers often manage complex care, such as responding to fluctuating patient symptoms or operating medical equipment while coping with their own feelings of impending loss. Literature suggests family caregivers often feel unprepared and report multiple unaddressed needs. Caregivers tend to be older, often juggle multiple roles, and may have impaired concentration. They may be hesitant to express their own perceived vulnerabilities or to ask for help.Faced with these challenges, it is critical to better understand caregivers' needs and how hospice services can best facilitate and support family caregivers.