Caregiver Needs

Background: Previous research on the needs of family cancer caregivers (FCCs) have not elucidated associations between specific caregiving needs. Methods: Network analysis, a statistical approach that allows the estimation of complex relationship patterns, helps facilitate the understanding of associations between needs and provides the opportunity to identify and direct interventions at relevant and specific targets. No studies to date, have applied network analysis to FCC populations.

Background: Persons with dementia use emergency department services at rates greater than other older adults. Despite risks associated with emergency department use, persons with dementia and their caregivers often seek emergency services to address needs and symptoms that could be managed within primary care settings. As emergency departments (EDs) are typically sub-optimal environments for addressing dementia-related health issues, facilitating effective primary care provision is critical to reduce the need for, or decision to seek, emergency services.

Introduction: The dementia disease affects both the family caregivers’ health and social and psychological well-being. The aim of this review was to identify and describe the needs of family caregivers living with a person with dementia at home. Method: The literature review, conducted using the matrix method, was also inspired by Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis.

Introduction: There is an increasing reliance on informal caregivers to continue the care of patients after discharge. This is a huge responsibility for caregivers and some may feel unprepared for the role. Without adequate support and understanding regarding their needs, patient care may be impeded. This study aimed to identify the needs valued by caregivers and if there was agreement between acute care nurses and caregivers in the perception of whether caregiver needs were being met.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The informal care demands of primary malignant brain tumor (PMBT) patients include unique issues associated with neurological and cognitive symptoms. Existing caregiver needs questionnaires do not include these disease-specific symptoms, which are particularly distressing. Therefore, we have developed the neuro-oncology Caregiver Needs Screen (CNS) and evaluated its psychometric properties. METHODS: The 32-item instrument was developed based on PMBT caregiver interviews (N = 109) and expert review.

The ageing global population has seen increasing numbers of older people living with chronic health problems, declining function, and frailty. As older people seek to live out their years at home, family members, friends and neighbours (informal caregivers) are increasingly relied upon for support. Moreover, pressured health systems and shorter hospital length of stay mean that informal caregivers can find themselves supporting the older person who is still unwell after discharge.

Background: Palliative care for Parkinson's disease (PD) is an emerging area of interest for clinicians, patients and families. Identifying the palliative care needs of caregivers is central to developing and implementing palliative services for families affected by PD. The objective of this paper was to elicit PD caregiver needs, salient concerns, and preferences for care using a palliative care framework.