The Impact of Additional Support Services on Caregivers of Hospice Patients and Hospice Social Workers

Abstract

Family caregivers often suffer higher levels of physical and emotional distress when caring for a chronically or terminally ill family member. Providing this kind of care to a loved one at the end of life contributes to increased stress, health problems, and a decreased quality of life. The Hospice Caregiver Support Project provided support services to caregivers identified by the hospice social worker as needing this support and/or assistance. Results from the project show that offering additional services relieved caregiver stress by allowing the caregiver time away from their caregiving role and reducing feelings of guilt and worry, and increased hospice social worker satisfaction with their ability to respond to the needs of hospice patients and caregivers.

A qualitative study of the emotional and spiritual needs of Hispanic families in hospice

“…Hospice care usually encompasses a broad range of services that includes palliative care, emotional support, and spiritual resources for terminally ill patients and their families. The provision of tangible and emotional support services to caregivers of hospice patients, typically family members of the patient, has been related to better psychological well-being for caregivers (Empeño et al, 2013; Teno et al, 2004). Despite the need to improve access to high-quality end-of-life services among underserved populations, research shows marked disparities in hospice care utilization among Hispanics (Cohen, 2008; Kreling et al, 2010; Colon, 2012; Taxis et al, 2008).…”

Family caregivers voice their needs: A photovoice study

“…During this time, family members experience increased stress levels and physical ailments, demonstrating how they have unmet needs (Barazzetti et al, 2010; Empeno, 2013; Tsigaroppoulos et al, 2009). Collectively, studies have confirmed that providing sufficient information is critical to meeting informal caregivers' needs and assisting families through this stressful time.…”

“…Collectively, studies have confirmed that providing sufficient information is critical to meeting informal caregivers' needs and assisting families through this stressful time. Recent research concluded that group education was an effective way of supporting informal caregivers (Applebaum & Breitbart, 2013;Hudson & Aranda, 2013;Hudson et al, 2005;2013). Further, a Cochrane report noted that providing community care services, including caregiver education, was beneficial in allowing patients to die at home, if that was their choice (Gomes et al, 2013).…”