With more deaths in developed countries taking place outside of hospitals now, families need to be recognized for their extremely important end-of-life role. Families now normally plan and provide much, if not all, of the care needed by dying family members. Moreover, most deaths involve older family members who pass away after a process of decline that is recognized as such by both the dying individual and their family. The end-of-life care that is provided by family members, generally women and often over weeks or months of evident decline, along with the emotional and practical family ties that exist, necessitates insight into what family caregivers need in terms of support or assistance. This four-part research study sought to gain insight from family caregivers as to what help they needed over the end-of-life trajectory of their older loved one, and also what was high quality support. Moreover, it sought to determine which older family care recipients died in hospital, and why end-of-life admissions to a hospital or a nursing home occurred. Interventions that were identified as the most needed and the most welcomed by family caregivers are highlighted, for policy and practice consideration.

Authors:
Donna Wilson, University of Alberta, Canada
Gail Low, University of Alberta, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Donna Wilson is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at University of Alberta in Canada

See this presentation on the full schedule – Schedule

Bookmark