Family Caregivers' Perceptions of Caring for Older Persons in the Palliative Care Stage at Home.

Palliative care at home for older people in the family context is one of the challenges globally and in Thai society nowadays. Existing palliative care models are not suitable for older people because they need both palliative care and geriatric care, and care is different from younger people because of the nature and duration of illness conditions during older age. Therefore, many family caregivers exert significant burden, responsibility and care tasks for their loved ones and perform a central part of the total care tasks. This study aimed to explore the family caregivers' perceptions of caring for older people in the palliative care stage at home. This study used a descriptive qualitative design with semi-structured interviews and participatory observation of 10 family caregivers. The caregivers cared for older people in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, southern Thailand. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Two themes were identified of family caregivers' perceptions: 1) recognizing limitations in the ability to provide care and 2) feeling burdened by caregiving. The findings enhance the understanding of healthcare providers and the public on the perceptions of family members providing care for older persons with being at the palliative care stage at home. Primary care centers and nursing education should educate and assist nurses to practice appropriate palliative care guidelines to help caregivers in home settings. This will assist nurses with appropriate skills and knowledge to improve service quality and the quality of life of older people and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]