Satisfactions and coping strategies of family carers

Abstract

With an increasingly ageing population, European countries are faced with developing strategies for maintaining community-based care. The major part of this care is provided by informal carers. The emphasis on the burden of caring and the concept of viewing carers as resources has led to a ‘pathological’ view of caring. The study reported in this article sought to establish the positive aspects of caring and coping strategies of informal carers in Sweden and the UK. The findings indicate that a high level of satisfaction is gained from care-giving. However, it is well recognized that the assistance offered to carers is generally inadequate. It is suggested that carer services should be more focused on the benefits of caring and that services should concentrate on maximizing them. Nurses working in the community have a key role to play in supporting family carers and it is important that they develop their skills in psychosocial interventions.