Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Patients at Home: Contributions for a Supervision Model

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, family caregivers play a critical role in the support of terminally ill at home. However, there are relatively few supervision models to help nurses in make decisions. Objectives: Contribute to a caregiver supervision model. Methodology In a prior study, the needs of 10 terminally ill and their caregivers were identified. In the present study, based on a focus group, 8 expert nurses analysed the needs and validated both the functions and the focus of supervision. Results Data on terminally ill pacients confirm the normative function of supervision through the diagnostic criteria ffor sel-care deficit and risks. The formative function of supervision is evident when family caregivers have no knowledge/skill to provide care or are not aware of aproblem. Finally, the restorative function concerns the assessment of the caregivers’ physical, emotional and relational capacity, as well as their time and resources available to provide care. Conclusion The contribuctions of our study emphasises a 3 function model that covers the needs of terminally il patients and their family caregivers