Abstract
Abstract Background Delirium is associated with psychological and cognitive complications that have impacts beyond the patients. Although family members and carers can play a significant role in the management and recognition of delirium, there is limited research on the experience of family caregivers in the context of delirium. This study aims to explore the needs and experiences of family caregivers for a person with delirium and offer suggestions to support them. Method A qualitative interview study with family caregivers of persons with delirium. Data were analysed using an abductive analysis approach. Results Fourteen family caregivers were interviewed. Carers explained their feeling of responsibility to support their loved ones with delirium, however, they perceived their caregiving role negatively because of increasing demands and the lack of sufficient support. Carers attributed their emotional exhaustion and distress to the onset of delirium, change in the personality of the person with delirium, confusion and progression of delirium. Additionally, carers indicated the negative impact of caregiving on the quality of the relationship between them and person with delirium. This highlights the need to enhance the support provided to carers to mitigate the emotional and relationship impact of caregiving on the carer. We identified the needs of carers for people with delirium including: education on delirium, reassurance, information on care pathways and support from formal carers to take breaks. Conclusions Viable solutions to assist family caregivers include more support for the carer in formulating care plans for people with delirium, the development of support groups for family caregivers of people with delirium, and a case worker. These solutions may help to decrease re-hospitalisation and admission to care homes. Future research should focus on approaches to better support carers of people with delirium, and to shift the care plan from person-centred into person and family-centred approach.
Published Version
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