Healio

The purpose of the current descriptive qualitative study was to reveal experiences of family caregivers of individuals with chronic psychiatric illness. Family caregivers who provided care to 16 individuals with chronic mental illness were interviewed. Three themes emerged from the interviews: Illness Management, The Caregiver's World: Changes and Effects, and Coping From the Caregiver's Point of View. Understanding the experiences of family caregivers contributes to content development of family intervention programs. 

The purpose of the current study was to examine the role and activities of family caregivers for older relatives during hospitalization. The Family Care Actions Index was completed by 293 family caregivers of hospitalized older adults. Results indicated that the scope of caregiving activities extended beyond providing care to the patient and included working together with the health care team. Activities requiring interaction with providers, such as care coordination, planning, evaluation, and oversight, were frequently performed by family caregivers.