Caregiving For The Terminally Ill: At What Cost?
Document Type
Journal Article
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Postgraduate Medicine / WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care
RAS ID
3571
Abstract
This literature review exposes the nature and extent of physical and psychosocial morbidity and economic disadvantage, home palliative caregivers suffer as a direct result of their caregiving role. Research has demonstrated that caregivers providing support to individuals receiving palliative care report unmet needs for information, communication, service provision and support from health and community services. Three sets of challenges are highlighted in this literature review which help explain why the needs of home palliative caregivers are largely unmet: (i) barriers to seeking help; (ii) a dearth of research-based interventions focused on reducing the negative aspects of caregiving; and (iii) a number of impediments to effective policy and service development for family caregivers. Furthermore, invited submissions from caregivers echoed and confirmed the issues reported in the literature. Recommendations for enhancing caregiver support are outlined.
DOI
10.1191/0269216305pm1053oa
Comments
Aoun, S. M., Kristjanson, L. J., Currow, D. C., & Hudson, P. L. (2005). Caregiving for the terminally ill: at what cost?. Palliative Medicine, 19(7), 551-555. Available here