Increased preparedness for caregiving among family caregivers in specialized home care by using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention

Abstract

Objectives Family caregivers often feel insufficiently prepared for a caregiving role, experiencing challenges and demands related to care at home that may negatively affect their own quality of life. Supportive interventions have been shown to influence negative effects, but more studies are needed. Therefore, this study aims to explore potential effects of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention on preparedness, caregiver burden, and quality of life among Swedish family caregivers in specialized home care. Methods The study had a pre–post intervention design and was conducted at 6 specialized home care services in Sweden. Family caregivers who received the intervention completed a questionnaire, including the Preparedness for caregiving scale, Caregiver Burden Scale, and Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness – Family carer version, at 2 time points, baseline and follow up, about 5 weeks later. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Altogether, 33 family caregivers completed the baseline and follow-up assessment. A majority were retired (n = 26, 81%) and women (n = 19, 58%) and two-fifths had a university degree (n = 13, 41%). The family caregivers had significantly increased their preparedness for caregiving between the baseline and follow-up assessment (Mdn = 18 vs. 20, p = 0.002). No significant changes were found on caregiver burden or quality of life. Significance of results The results add to knowledge regarding the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention’s potential to improve family caregiver outcomes. Findings suggest that the intervention may be used to improve the preparedness for caregiving and support among family caregivers in specialized home care.

Comparing situational influences on differential healthcare utilization trajectories in patients on home palliative care: A qualitative study

“…Furthermore, family caregivers can greatly benefit from personalized and in-home psychoeducation and support programs designed to enhance their psychological resilience and foster positive emotions (Hudson and Aranda 2014). These programs should include comprehensive information about symptom management, available treatment options during periods of deterioration, and effective communication with patients and homecare teams as well as addressing psychological issues (Holm et al 2016;Norinder et al 2023). For caregivers experiencing social isolation, structured group sessions, through web or in-person, could be considered to provide opportunities for connecting with others in similar caregiving situations, thereby promoting a sense of cohesion and safety.…”