• R G Steele and M I Fitch.
• University of Toronto, Canada.
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 1996 Jun 1;23(5):823-8.

Purpose/ObjectivesTo identify needs of family caregivers of home hospice patients with cancer.DesignExploratory, descriptive.SettingSix nonprofit homecare hospices in Canada.SampleTwenty Caucasian family caregivers of 20 patients with cancer enrolled in home hospice.MethodsSubjects were recruited on admission to hospice and completed the Home Caregiver Need Survey in the home.Main Research VariablesFamily caregivers' assessment of their poorly satisfied informational, household, patient care, personal, spiritual, and psychological needs.FindingsFamily caregivers needed time for themselves away from the house and for their personal needs. They also lacked sufficient time to rest and did not experience adequate sleep. Caregivers needed to learn ways to help patients maintain some independence. A 24-hour hotline can be an important resource for caregivers.ConclusionsFamily caregivers need social, volunteer, and professional support while caring for a family member at home so that their own physical and emotional health does not suffer.Implications For Nursing PracticeTo provide guidance and support to family caregivers, nurses should assess the needs of caregivers and tailor interventions to meet those needs. Nurses also should facilitate the development of a social, volunteer, and professional support network.

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