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Abstract
BackgroundFamily caregivers of patients at the end of life often experience care-related burden. To prevent caregiver burden and to enhance the capacity to provide care it is important to have insight in their support needs. The purpose of this study was to identify profiles of family caregivers who provide care to patients at the end of life at home.MethodsA Q-methodological study was conducted in which family caregivers ranked 40 statements on support needs and experiences with caregiving. Thereafter they explained their ranking in an interview. By-person factor analysis was used to analyse the rankings and qualitative data was used to support the choice of profiles. A set of 41 family caregivers with a variety on background characteristics who currently or recently provided care for someone at the end of life at home were included.ResultsFour distinct profiles were identified; profile (1) those who want appreciation and an assigned contact person; profile (2) was bipolar. The positive pole (2+) comprised those who have supportive relationships and the negative pole (2-) those who wish for supportive relationships; profile (3) those who want information and practical support, and profile (4) those who need time off. The profiles reflect different support needs and experiences with caregiving.ConclusionsFamily caregivers of patients at the end of life have varying support needs and one size does not fit all. The profiles are relevant for healthcare professionals and volunteers in palliative care as they provide an overview of the main support needs among family caregivers of patients near the end of life. This knowledge could help healthcare professionals giving support.
Highlights
Caregivers of patients at the end of life often experience care-related burden
Burden can result in physical and psychological morbidity [4, 5], restrictions on the family caregiver’s own life and a strain on financial resources [6, 7]. Those caring for a partner and those caring for a person with dementia are at risk of physical and psychological health issues during end-of-life care [8, 9]
We found four meaningful distinctive profiles of family caregivers who provide care to patients at the end of life at home
Summary
Caregivers of patients at the end of life often experience care-related burden. Burden can result in physical and psychological morbidity [4, 5], restrictions on the family caregiver’s own life and a strain on financial resources [6, 7] Older family caregivers, those caring for a partner and those caring for a person with dementia are at risk of physical and psychological health issues during end-of-life care [8, 9]. It is important that family caregivers obtain support in good time to prevent them from becoming overloaded and to enhance their capacity to provide care. This could be relevant for the quality of life, and the quality of the patient’s final days
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